Johnny Walker and Volkan Oezdemir at the official weigh-in for UFC Saudi Arabia Photo Credit: Youtube/UFC
Light heavyweights Johnny Walker and Volkan Oezdemir opened Saturday’s main card at UFC Saudi Arabia on ABC.
Walker’s two previous opponents were Magomed Ankalaev, losing by no contest the first time and by knockout in the rematch, while Ozdemir is a former UFC title challenger with wins over Bogdan Guskov and Paul Craig before losing to Nikita Krylov.
The Johnny Walker result on Saturday wasn’t great either.
Walker opened the bout with a few deep kicks to the body and a leg kick, and Volkan, ominously stepping into punching range with his hands held high, responded with a leg kick of his own. Walker remained light and agile as he landed leg and deep kicks, and Volkan responded with a leg kick.
About 90 seconds into the fight, Oezdemir started throwing punches. He started with a beautiful combo, starting with a punch to the body, then going for the head, before landing a hard left hook that took Johnny Walker down. Walker was able to get to his feet, but a hard jumping knee took him off his feet. Volkan boxed in, dodging Johnny’s punches and firing back with a right hook that took Walker down. As Volkan neared the ground, Volkan landed more punches that completely paralyzed Walker, rendering him unconscious.
Ozdemir defeats Walker in the first round! 😱
[ #UFCSaudiArabia | #RiyadhSeason ] pic.twitter.com/RoujrV410t
— UFC (@ufc) June 22, 2024
After his victory, Volkan Oezdemir targeted former champions Jan Blachowicz and Jamahar Gil. “My only goal is to come out on top. The belt is my destination now,” exclaimed the Swiss light heavyweight boxer.
Official result: Volkan Oezdemir defeats Johnny Walker by KO, Round 1, 2:28
