The UFC Saudi Arabia Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir round-by-round updates are here. This evening's main card opens with a light heavyweight barnburner between two mainstays in the division. Both men occupy the bottom half of the light heavyweight top 10, with Walker being ranked #7 and Oezdemir is at #9.
The pair have never shared the cage before, but will cross swords inside the octagon tonight, with Oezdemir putting his 19-7 record on the line against Walker's own 21-8 (1). The two 205-pounders will be eager to emerge from UFC Saudi Arabia with a win.
Walker's previous four-fight unbeaten streak came to a crushing end in a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev, who knocked him out within two rounds at UFC Vegas 84. Oezdemir, however, is currently looking to extend his recent first-round submission win over Bogdan Guskov into a two-fight win streak.
A win over Walker, a recognizable name, would go a long way toward helping him ascend in the division. The Brazilian knockout artist, though, is eager to avenge his friend, Guskov's loss to Oezdemir.
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The oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook seem confident that he will leave UFC Saudi Arabia as a winner, listing Walker as a -130 favorite, while Oezdemir is classified as a +110 underdog.
Follow Sportskeeda for live updates and play-by-play analysis of the light heavyweight bout.
UFC Saudi Arabia: Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir
Round 1: The round opens with Oezdemir applying heavy pressure, backing Walker up to the fence with a one-two. However, the Swiss light heavyweight eats several low kicks, but is back on the pressure. Walker lands a jab, but it's not enough to keep Oezdemir away. A clash of shins as both men throw low kicks.
Oezdemir with anothr low kick. Lands a one-two to back Walker up to the fence. The Swiss 205-pounder unloads with combinations, landing hard to the body. Walker is fine though. Oezdemir drops him with a hard left hook, but Walker is back on his feet. The Brazilian attempts a flying knee but slips. Oezdemir knocks him out cold along the fence with a combination, ending with a right uppercut.
Official Decision: Volkan Oezdemir def. Johnny Walker via knockout in Round 1 (2:28)