5 reasons to watch UFC Fight Night: Thiago Santos vs. Johnny Walker

#2. Niko Price might be the UFC’s most exciting fighter

Niko Price might be the most exciting fighter in the UFC today

While this fight isn’t as important as some of the others on this weekend’s UFC card, any time that Niko Price is in action in the octagon, it’s well worth watching.

Simply put, ‘The Hybrid’ might be the most exciting fighter to watch in the entire UFC right now. Not only is Price aggressive to a fault, but his finish rate, whether that’s him coming out on top, or losing violently, is truly astonishing.

Price has been on the UFC’s roster now for almost five years, during which time he’s stepped into the octagon on 13 occasions. And on eleven of those occasions, his fight has failed to reach the final buzzer.

We’ve seen Price knock opponents out and be knocked out himself and submit opponents and tap out too. He’s never produced anything but fireworks. Even his draw with Donald Cerrone and the decision loss to Michel Pereira were wildly exciting. This weekend shouldn’t be an exception to that rule, as opponent Alex Oliveira is also wildly aggressive and will almost certainly bring the fight to Price.

So, whether ‘The Hybrid’ wins or loses this weekend doesn’t really matter. The only shock would be if he fails to earn one of the UFC’s $50k bonus cheques. If it’s excitement you’re after, this fight is a must-see.

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#1. Thiago Santos vs. Johnny Walker should produce fireworks

Johnny Walker's fight with Thiago Santos should produce some serious fireworks

Niko Price might be the UFC’s most exciting fighter right now, but there’s still a chance he will get outshone this weekend by this Fight Night’s headline bout. That’s because light heavyweight contenders Thiago Santos and Johnny Walker are equally as wild and exciting to watch as he is.

This one should essentially be a battle of mirror images. Neither Santos nor Walker look to ground their opponents and on the feet, neither man knows how to back down an inch. Sure, they’re both technically proficient strikers, Santos in particular, but both prefer to swing heavy leather at their opponents until someone falls down.

It’s arguable that Walker is the more exciting of the two to watch, as he’s only been the distance once in his UFC career thus far. He’s also finished opponents with low-percentage strikes, including a standing elbow, spinning backfist and flying knee.

However, ‘Marreta’ probably has even more wars under his belt, with his fights with Jimi Manuwa, Anthony Smith and Jan Blachowicz all producing incredible spectacles.

It’d probably be better for the UFC if Walker were to come out on top here, as he’s a new and viable title contender at 205 pounds. Either way, this fight might turn out to be one of the most exciting of 2021. Simply put, nobody who calls themselves a UFC fan should look to miss this one.