Middleweight prospect of the year: Christian Leroy Duncan (7-0)
In 2022 Duncan achieved gold over at Cage Warriors. He opened up the year winning the title from the previously 8-0 Djati Mélan. Then he did defend his title. Two wins, two title fights, and two highlight-reel finishes. Duncan is one of the most exciting prospects especially at middleweight. As 2022 was a strong year Duncan is undefeated as a pro and had an extensive amateur career mostly for IMMAF. Duncan is closing out the year with his second title defense on the 31st. He’s fighting UFC/TUF veteran Jesse Taylor. That’s a fight Duncan should win and it would be a great way for him to close the year with.
Welterweight prospect of the year: Abdoul Abdouraguimov (15-1, 1 NC)
Abdouraguimov arguably had the best year of his career. He has two wins as he beat former UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey. That was for the Ares FC title and then he defended it against veteran Karl Amoussou. Abdouraguimov should never have been mentioned here due to the fact the UFC went to Paris this year and he was an obvious choice. He was snubbed by the UFC but he’s not going to be snubbed in these awards. Abdouraguimov has done so much at welterweight he’s opening up 2023 going for the Ares FC middleweight title. If he can manage to become an Ares FC double champ 2023 will be an even bigger career.
