Local MMA (Mixed Martial arts) fighter Duncan “The Highlander” Smith has always enjoyed Martial arts, though he began his training after he graduated from high school in 2011. In 2014 he had his first fight against the 2nd ranked Welter Weight (170 lb) fighter in New England at the time. Smith said, “We had a good fight but I lost via Rear Naked Choke Submission. Then life happened…” Duncan said he had a few fights afterward with mixed outcomes, but within six months, there were multiple events happening in his life that forced him to change his focus.
For anyone, the birth of a child certainly is a game changer. However, for the Gorham resident and his girlfriend Sarah Claire Day (GHS ’09), it was almost life changing. Their son Quinten was a NICU baby. Smith almost lost both Day and the baby during the birth. He shared, “I had two fights around this time that I lost. Then my brother, at 17 years old, had a stroke which again shook up my world.”
This past April he made his debut for New England Fights, Maine’s Premier MMA League. He said, “My first fight for the company, I secured a standing guillotine choke and was able to put my opponent completely unconscious.” This was a first for him, and it earned him the opportunity to compete for the promotions vacant 170 lb Amateur Title. The fight was against Carlton Charles on June 16 at Aura in Portland. Charles was a former University of Maine football star and was heavily favored to win. Smith stated, “This fight was really mentally draining for me. The week before I had a panic attack thinking of it.”
Photo credit James Allen WalkerDuncan “The Highlander” Smith (right) defeated Carlton Charles at the NEF Home of the Brave Event at Aura on June 16.
“The Highlander,” said he was scared, but when the cage door closed, the nerves left. Smith won via Rear Naked Choke Submission in 1:21 of the 4th Round. He is currently 3-2, and is at the point where he is ready to make the jump to pro.
In sports such as baseball or basketball, you get to the pros through scouting and being drafted. Smith shared, “In combative sports (MMA, Boxing, Kickboxing) the only way to go pro is directly in the individual’s hands and people very commonly make this jump too soon.” He has chosen to have fights where he’s not getting paid, but gaining valuable experience. “I’m hoping to stay healthy and start down the path towards the Ultimate Fighting Championship,” he said.
When asked what his mother Abinair thought of him fighting professionally, he said, “My mother supports me, but she can’t come to the fights after the first one she watched. It’s too emotional for her. The only fight she went to, security almost asked her to leave because she was too close to the cage!” He also said, “I’m very grateful for the chances she’s given me.”
Smith offered some advice to anyone who might be considering taking a shot at becoming a fighter. “Everyone should train Martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I train out of Southern Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Scarborough. Not everyone is going to want to fight but if you do, keep at it! Train smart! And always upgrade your software without damaging your hardware!”
His fights, trainings and tutorials can be found on Youtube under “Duncan The Highlander.” He is currently working on sponsorships so that he may devote more time to training.