Thiago Santos-Johnny Walker Look To Make Statement

Light heavyweights Thiago Santos and Johnny Walker have the stage this weekend.

The two meet in the main event of UFC Fight Night live on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex outside of Las Vegas.

For both fighters, this is a perfect opportunity to steal headlines and build their name.

Santos has struggled since finishing current champion Jan Blachowicz back in 2019, dropping three straight. That includes, though, a split decision loss to Jon Jones for the title in a bout many believed he won.

After that, Santos was submitted by current No. 1 contender Glover Teixeira and lost a decision to Aleksandar Rakic.

He is 21-9 overall with 15 wins by knockout and a submission victory to his credit. 

Walker, meanwhile, snapped a two-fight losing skid by knocking out Ryan Spann last September. He was unable to get past Corey Anderson or Nikita Krylov to capitalize on his four-fight UFC win streak.

Prior to signing with the promotion after appearing on Dana White’s Contender Series, Walker has reeled off five consecutive wins. 

While Santos vs. Walker is the headline fight, the card features several intriguing matchups. 

Kevin Holland and Kyle Daukaus square off in the co-main event in the middleweight division. Holland was in his own main event recently when he lost to both Marvin Vettori and Derek Brunson to snap a five-fight win streak.

Daukaus will be looking to get back on track after a loss to Phil Hawes. He is 10-2 overall but just 1-2 with the UFC.