UFC 321: Valter Walker vs Louie Sutherland Preview & Prediction

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Valter Walker and Louie Sutherland are set for a short-notice heavyweight clash at UFC 321.
Valter Walker vs Louie Sutherland facts
What time are Valter Walker and Louie Sutherland expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 321? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Where can I get tickets for UFC 321? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 321
What TV channel is UFC 321 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 321? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 321 main card
Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane (Heavyweight)
Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern (Women’s Strawweight)
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista (Bantamweight)
Alexander Volkov vs Jailton Almeida (Heavyweight)
Aleksandar Rakic vs Azamat Murzakanov (Light Heavyweight)
UFC 321 prelims
Nasrat Haqparast vs Quillan Salkilld (Lightweight
Ikram Aliskerov vs Park Jun-yong (Middlweight)
L'udovit Klein vs Mateusz Rebecki (Lightweight)
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs Matheus Camilo (Lightweight)
Valter Walker vs Louie Sutherland (Heavyweight)
Nathaniel Wood vs Jose Miguel Delgado (Featherweight)
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs Chris Barnett (Heavyweight)
Azat Maksum vs Mitch Raposo (Flyweight)
Jaqueline Amorim vs Mizuki Inoue (Women’s Strawweight)
Valter Walker: Brazilian powerhouse looking to make another statement
Valter Walker (14-1) enters UFC 321 riding a wave of momentum and growing hype. The 27-year-old Brazilian has impressed since joining the promotion, compiling a 3-1 record and breaking into the conversation as one of the most promising new heavyweights on the roster. The younger brother of light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker, the 15 ranked contender has quickly carved out his own identity as a dangerous finisher with a flair for the spectacular.
Walker has been on a three-fight win streak, all coming inside the first round, showcasing his submission prowess and particularly his signature heel hook finish. At 6’6”, he’s a towering, athletic figure who combines explosive grappling with underrated striking. While still developing his overall MMA game, his physical tools and killer instinct have made him a tough opponent for anyone in the division.
Louie Sutherland: The Scottish debutant facing a huge leap in competition
Louie Sutherland (10-3) makes his UFC debut and faces a baptism of fire against one of the division’s fastest-rising prospects. The 31-year-old from Scotland has experience across promotions such as Bellator, PFL, and Levels Fight League, where he most recently scored a first-round TKO win over Luke Newland. Now on a four-fight winning streak (all Levels Fight League), Sutherland will look to bring his momentum into the Octagon. After his scheduled bout with Mohamed Usman at UFC Rio was cancelled at the last minute, which visibly frustrated Walker on social media, this matchup feels like a chance for the Brazilian to channel that energy and remind fans why he’s considered one of the division’s brightest emerging talents.
Primarily a Muay Thai-based striker, Sutherland tends to pressure forward and throw heavy when in range. He’s durable and willing to engage in exchanges, but he doesn’t possess the same physical explosiveness as many of his peers at this level. While he’s a seasoned professional, this contest represents a significant step up in opposition, both technically and athletically.
Valter Walker vs Louie Sutherland prediction
This fight appears to be tailor-made for Walker to deliver another statement performance on home soil. The Brazilian is the more powerful, explosive, and dynamic athlete, with a far more refined grappling arsenal. Sutherland’s striking experience may allow him to hold his own briefly on the feet, but Walker’s speed and physicality should quickly make the difference once the fight hits the mat.
Expect Walker to push forward early, use his strength to force the fight to the ground, and hunt for another quick submission. Given his past success with leg locks and his opponent’s inexperience at this level, another heel hook finish in the first round seems likely.
Prediction: Valter Walker to win via submission in round 1