Once a famous po-matoran athlete Dukat had won many copper masks in various sports. He had most his success in Kani-Ra wrangling. He was adored and showered with praise and fame.
However destiny chose him to become one of his islands new protectors. At first this seemed like his dreams come true becoming an even greater hero. However Dukat learned quickly the matoran don't interact with toa as they do among other matoran. Old friends became distant and no one remembered him for his accomplishments. Now he was just "one of the toa". Frustrated with his village forgetting who he was he collected all his copper masks of victory and forged them into him armor. Trying to remind everyone of his past glory.