The UFC is set to return on July 12 with a lineup featuring several prominent fighters, including one with an impressive recent record of submission victories. Among the 12 fights scheduled for UFC Nashville, three will be in the heavyweight division, headlined by Derrick Lewis facing Tarison Teixeira.
Derrick Lewis, known for holding the Knockout promotional record, looks to add another win to his name during this event. Former NFL player Austin Lane will face Vitor Petrino as both fighters aim to bounce back from recent losses. Additionally, the opening heavyweight bout of the night showcases a Brazilian contender with a strong winning streak, having secured two remarkable UFC victories.
Valter Walker, who debuted in April 2024 with a decision loss to Lukasz Brzeski at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, has become a notable force in the heavyweight division. While his brother Johnnie Walker is celebrated for his unpredictable skills, Valter has established himself as a submission threat. His breakout moment came at UFC 305 last August when he defeated Junior Tafa via heel hook in the first round.
Walker returned earlier this year for his second UFC appearance, making a bold move that is rare for heavyweights—focusing on submissions. His submission skills even paid off for a fan who placed a $500 bet at +5,000 odds on Brazil’s Dotale Mayes in a February 15 bout, resulting in a $25,500 payout.
Out of 24 fighters at UFC Nashville on July 11—including Valter Walker and his opponent Kennedy Nzechukwu—23 successfully made weight. Derrick Lewis revealed that he improved his body composition before Fight Night to come in lighter than usual. However, Chidi Njokuani missed weight by 0.5 pounds in his welterweight bout against Jake Matthews but managed to avoid fines after shedding the excess weight within the time limit.
Fan Take: This event highlights the rising prominence of submission techniques in the heavyweight class, a division traditionally dominated by knockouts. Valter Walker’s impressive submission victories and the massive betting payout underscore a growing excitement among fans for technical skill and unpredictability in fights, signaling an evolving landscape for the sport.
