Johnny Walker
Brazil
Massive main-event upset
Walker defeated Zhang Mingyang via TKO (punches and elbows) at 2:37 of Round 2 at UFC Shanghai on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Seemingly written off as a light heavyweight contender following back-to-back losses, Walker picked up a statement win here as a big betting underdog of roughly (+300). The first round didn't go his way, as Walker ate multiple big shots and was stuffed on both of his takedown attempts -- one even backfired to the point where he ended up on his back, but he was able to get up to his feet. He did at least land five noteworthy leg kicks in the frame, which built a foundation for his game plan in Round 2. While Walker absorbed two right hands early in the frame, he went back to the leg kicks, landing multiple in a row and clearly compromising his opponent. Eventually Zhang crumbled due to the damage, and Walker pounced with a series of punches and elbows (some of which the legality of was questionable) to eventually end the fight. The finish would go on to earn Walker one of four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses awarded on the evening. There's room for immediate advancement in the UFC's 205-pound division, and huge win like this in enemy territory should immediately merit another top-10 opponent for Walker.
Seemingly written off as a light heavyweight contender following back-to-back losses, Walker picked up a statement win here as a big betting underdog of roughly (+300). The first round didn't go his way, as Walker ate multiple big shots and was stuffed on both of his takedown attempts -- one even backfired to the point where he ended up on his back, but he was able to get up to his feet. He did at least land five noteworthy leg kicks in the frame, which built a foundation for his game plan in Round 2. While Walker absorbed two right hands early in the frame, he went back to the leg kicks, landing multiple in a row and clearly compromising his opponent. Eventually Zhang crumbled due to the damage, and Walker pounced with a series of punches and elbows (some of which the legality of was questionable) to eventually end the fight. The finish would go on to earn Walker one of four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses awarded on the evening. There's room for immediate advancement in the UFC's 205-pound division, and huge win like this in enemy territory should immediately merit another top-10 opponent for Walker.
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More Fantasy News
Set to face Zhang Mingyang
Walker will face Zhang Mingyang in a light heavyweight bout at UFC Shanghai on Aug. 23.
ANALYSIS
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the bout Wednesday, and Walker will be looking for a bounce-back performance after losing via KO to Volkan Oezdemir in Saudi Arabia in his most recent fight back on June 22, 2024. Walker had previously arranged bouts against Bogdan Guskov at UCF 311 and Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 316, but neither fight ended up happening.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the bout Wednesday, and Walker will be looking for a bounce-back performance after losing via KO to Volkan Oezdemir in Saudi Arabia in his most recent fight back on June 22, 2024. Walker had previously arranged bouts against Bogdan Guskov at UCF 311 and Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 316, but neither fight ended up happening.
Not fighting Murzakanov
Walker is no longer set to face Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 316 on June 7, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Walker was expected to fight Murzakanov, who is completing is six-month suspension but will now await for a new opponent. He last fought against Volkan Oezdemir, losing via KO at UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia.
Walker was expected to fight Murzakanov, who is completing is six-month suspension but will now await for a new opponent. He last fought against Volkan Oezdemir, losing via KO at UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia.
Set to face Murzakanov
Walker will face Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 316 on June 7, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Walker didn't fight at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 due to an undisclosed injury, but he's now completely recovered and set to return to the octagon in the upcoming weeks. Walker is winless in his last three bouts, going 0-2 with one NC in that span.
Walker didn't fight at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 due to an undisclosed injury, but he's now completely recovered and set to return to the octagon in the upcoming weeks. Walker is winless in his last three bouts, going 0-2 with one NC in that span.
Off of UFC 311
Walker will no longer compete at UFC 311 on January 18 due to an undisclosed injury, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
The exact reasons for Walker's withdrawal, as well as the potential length of absence, are unknown at this time. His original opponent, Bogdan Guskov, will remain on the card and face Billy Elekana.
The exact reasons for Walker's withdrawal, as well as the potential length of absence, are unknown at this time. His original opponent, Bogdan Guskov, will remain on the card and face Billy Elekana.
Set to face Guskov
Walker will take on Bogdan Guskov in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Walker is looking to bounce back following an ugly loss to Volkan Oezdemir in June this year, and he needs to get a positive result -- or at least deliver a better showing -- considering his recent results. He's winless in his last three bouts, going 0-2 with one NC in that span. His last win came against Anthony Smith on May 13, 2023.
Walker is looking to bounce back following an ugly loss to Volkan Oezdemir in June this year, and he needs to get a positive result -- or at least deliver a better showing -- considering his recent results. He's winless in his last three bouts, going 0-2 with one NC in that span. His last win came against Anthony Smith on May 13, 2023.