A SHEPHERD turned MMA fighter from the Wee County is one step closer to his ultimate dream after a perfect start to his professional career.

Chris Duncan, who lives in Tullibody, began his fighting career around five years ago, but decided to turn professional after a difficult time in his personal life.

And now, the 25-year-old says he is aiming for the very top of his field after claiming his first Bellator victory in Dublin last week.

Bellator is one of the world's largest MMA promotions and features some of the best fighters on the planet.

The fighter told Advertiser Sport how he came to dedicate his life to the sport.

Chris said: "I had a bit of a tough time when I came back from New Zealand as my mum passed away.

"I was not getting anywhere shepherding; farming is a bit more of a lifestyle than a career. So I just went for it. It was the best choice of my life."

Chris, who is a personal trainer by day, described how it felt to get on the ladder with his first win.

"It feels a bit surreal," he added. "It feels like the fight was ages ago, almost like it was a wee dream."

Next up for Chris, originally from Strathyre, Stirlingshire, is a potential contest at the next Bellator event in Birmingham on May 8.

Failing that, the young star is happy to take on any fight his manager agrees for him as he looks to make the next step on the path to his ultimate goal.

He continued: "I was always fighting, even when I was at school. I have always enjoyed contacts sports and the physical side of things.

"The end goal will be to reach the top 10, if not number one in the world.

"It feels like I am edging towards it. It isn't something that is going to happen overnight."

For now, however, Chris is happy to continue by focusing on whatever comes next as he looks to achieve a lifelong dream by becoming the best fighter in the world.