MMA Preview – Thiago Santos vs Johnny Walker at UFC Vegas 38
THIAGO SANTOS VS JOHNNY WALKER FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 38? Saturday 2nd October, 2021 -21:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 38? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 38? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 38 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 38? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
THIAGO SANTOS VS JOHNNY WALKER LOWDOWN
No one saw Thiago Santos (21-9) losing three in a row after he knocked out Eryk Anders, Jimi Manuwa and Jan Blachowicz in a row. That knockout over the current champion at the start of 2019 capped off a brilliant four-fight streak ignited by a unanimous decision over Kevin Holland. David Branch broke up eight wins in a row including knockouts over Jack Hermansson and Anthony Smith down at middleweight. That knockout form earnt him a shot at the light heavyweight ‘GOAT’ giving Jon Jones one of his toughest ever fights taking him to a split decision. That fight took a lot out of Santos including the all ligaments in his knee. He eventually returned 16 months later but got submitted by Glover Teixeira. He fought again in March this year, but he did not look his explosive self losing a unanimous decision to Aleksandar Rakic.
Johnny Walker (18-5) has also suffered a all from grace but more due to the holes in his game opening up as opposed to suffering career threatening injuries. He blasted his way into the UFC on a six-fight win streak and quickly became the most exciting prospect in the division after knocking out Khalil Rountree, Justin Ledet and Misha Cirkunov in spectacular fashion. He was then handed a huge test in the form of wrestler Corey Anderson, but he shocked the world knocking Walker out. Nikita Krylov then made in two losses in a row with a unanimous decision removing Walker’s ‘prospect’ status and Ryan Spann came close to making it three but Walker rallied back from a huge left hand to earn an amazing comeback knockout courtesy of some Travis Browne elbows.
THIAGO SANTOS VS JOHNNY WALKER PREDICTION
This has got fireworks written all over it. Considering their skillsets, the smart play would be to play is safe with lower volume, but it is just not in their nature. Santos is the favourite, but he has not looked the same since his fight with Jones. By the end of the fight, he tore his left ACL, PCL, MCL, meniscus and cracked his tibia. It is remarkable he is able to run again, let alone fight at the highest level.
Less speed and explosiveness swings this more in Walker’s favour who has not lost an inch and his range and dynamism combined with his power is a threat to anyone in the division. His biggest problem is his defence. His erratic style constantly leaves his chin open to counter and Santos has the experience and killer instinct to make him pay in violent fashion.
We expect Santos to be more patient like he was in the Blachowicz fight, but as soon as Walker opens up, Santos will fire. A pre-Jones Santos would be expected to pick Walker off but he has not looked the same fighter.
If Walker incorporates a strategy into his usual chaotic style, he will put his four-inch height and six-inch reach advantage to use on a hesitant Santos. If he is reckless and Santos finds a bit of mojo, he will fire off a lot of kicks and wait to counter as well as offering the odd clinch. Either way, it should be a matter of time before the fireworks ignite.
Prediction: Santos via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Walker via KO/TKO
