Oezdemir Back With a Bang: Scores Devastating KO of Walker in UFC Saudi Arabia

Volkan Oezdemir wasted no time reminding everyone of his knockout power with a brutal first-round finish of Johnny Walker at UFC Saudi Arabia this past Saturday. 

The former light heavyweight title challenger came out aggressive, pressuring Walker from the opening bell. A stinging left hand sent shivers down the Brazilian’s spine, but it was a perfectly placed uppercut that truly turned the lights out.

Despite Walker being wobbly, the referee hesitated to intervene, allowing Oezdemir to land a final right hand that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. 

Walker remained motionless for a concerning moment before regaining consciousness and receiving medical attention. The official stoppage came at 2:28 of round one.

Showing respect for his fallen foe, Oezdemir held off on celebrating until Walker was back on his stool. This marked his first knockout victory since 2019.

“It feels great,” Oezdemir declared in his post-fight interview. “The uppercut was key. It’s a little crazy with Johnny Walker, he’s wild those first few minutes. My sights are set on the top. The belt is my destiny. Next, I want someone like Jamahal Hill or Jan Blachowicz. I don’t care who it is, I need someone ranked high.”

Oezdemir looked sharper than ever, smothering Walker’s offense and not allowing him to settle into a rhythm. Once he found his range, Oezdemir unleashed a flurry of punches, culminating in the fight-ending uppercut after Walker ducked his head right into it.

This win should propel Oezdemir back into the light heavyweight title picture, especially considering his previous victory over rising prospect Bogdan Guskov. Conversely, Walker finds himself on a two-fight skid following knockout losses to Oezdemir and Magomed Ankalaev.