The UFC 279 main card opener produced a quick first-round finish with light heavyweight fighters getting into a competitive bout. Johnny Walker secured his first UFC submission win after facing early trouble in the contest against Ion Cutelaba.
Official Decision: Johnny Walker wins via submission (RNC) in Round 1 (4:37).
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The bout started with ‘The Hulk’ firing a right high kick that landed on Walker’s head. The Brazilian returned a head kick of his own, but the Moldovan athlete took the SBG Ireland standout to the mat.
ROUND ONE SUBMISSION!!!@JohnnyWalker is BACK! #UFC279 pic.twitter.com/eWGhLRH0NH
— UFC (@ufc) September 11, 2022
However, this proved a critical mistake from the CSA Moldova fighter, as Walker reversed the position after landing a few blows on the ground. The Brazilian secured a neck choke and finished the bout even after Cutelaba’s resiliency.
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The 6’6” fighter returned to the win column after losing his last two bouts (1-4 in his previous five bouts).
UFC world reacts to Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba’s contest at UFC 279
The quick fight, with a few turns, and an unexpected finish from the 30-year-old, amazed MMA fans.
Earlier, one fan noticed and mentioned, “UFC PPV starts off with a moment of silence in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth, which is met with boos and then a USA chant.”
UFC PPV starts off with a moment of silence in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth, which is met with boos and then a USA chant.
— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) September 11, 2022
Crowd boos when this is shown on screen in arena #UFC279 pic.twitter.com/qh9gLdSsG0
— Helen Yee (@HelenYeeSports) September 11, 2022
Although, after the bout started, fans were tuned in and the light heavyweights did not disappoint.
Johnny Walker using all 4 of his complimentary fence grabs early
— bibson (@bibsonlol) September 11, 2022
Solid performance congrats @JohnnyWalker 👏🏿 #UFC279
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) September 11, 2022
"It's just two words. Without commitment you never start, and without consistence you never finish." – Johnny Walker on his submission win. #UFC279
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) September 11, 2022
As I said Walker needed to use his technique to negate physicality/ aggression of Cutelaba. He did! #UFC279
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) September 11, 2022
IRISH JIU-JITSU WUT #UFC279
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) September 11, 2022
No CBD/THC Johnny Walker is a mythical fighter.#UFC279
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) September 11, 2022
Johnny Walker looked brand new out there tonight ! #UFC279
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 11, 2022
Johnny Walker taking Cutelaba's neck for the 4th time:#UFC279 pic.twitter.com/3yo3oK3ybs
— MacMally 🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) September 11, 2022
The Irish aren't here to take part they're here to take over. Big win for Johnny Walker.
— Tommy Toe Hold (@TommyToeHold) September 11, 2022
Bravo 👏🏼 @JohnnyWalker pic.twitter.com/19wuUQkuFk
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) September 11, 2022
I was hoping Johnny Walker jumped into joe rogans arms #UFC279
— Brian BOOM Kelleher (@brianboom135) September 11, 2022
This impressive win was an important step in the right direction for the light-heavyweight athlete.
Johnny Walker had his troubles before the bout
Ahead of the contest, the Brazilian prodigy shared how he overcame adversity that came out of nowhere.
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Johnny Walker showed a lot of promise in his early bouts, as he staked a mythical resume when he finished his first three opponents inside the Octagon in a total time of three minutes. However, after that, Walker’s performances against the top-tier athletes were not the same.
Thus, this win could be a much-needed boost for the SBG Ireland fighter to move in the right direction.
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What did you make of the main card opener at UFC 279 between Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba? Share your views in the comments below.