UFC Fight Night: Dustin Jacoby vs Julius Walker Preview & Prediction
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The main card at UFC Fight Night opens with a compelling light heavyweight clash, as proven striker Dustin Jacoby looks to halt the rise of physically imposing prospect Julius Walker in a matchup that blends experience, technique, and youthful volatility.
Dustin Jacoby vs Julius Walker facts
What time are Dustin Jacoby and Julius Walker expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira? Meta Apex, Enterprise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira main card
Mario Bautista vs Vinicius Oliveira (Bantamweight)
Amir Albazi vs Kyoji Horiguchi (Flyweight)
Jailton Almeida vs Rizvan Kuniev (Heavyweight)
Michał Oleksiejczuk vs Marc-Andre Barriault (Middleweight)
Jean Matsumoto vs Farid Basharat (Bantamweight)
Dustin Jacoby vs Julius Walker (Light Heavyweight)
UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira prelims
Alex Morono vs Daniil Donchenko (Welterweight)
Bruna Brasil vs Ketlen Souza (Women’s Strawweight)
Said Nurmagomedov vs Javid Basharat (Bantamweight)
Wang Cong vs Eduarda Moura (Women’s Flyweight)
Muin Gafurov vs Jakub Wiklacz (Bantamweight)
Klaudia Syguła vs Priscila Cachoeira (Women’s Bantamweight)
Nikolay Veretennikov vs Jose Henrique Souza (Middleweight)
Dustin Jacoby: Seasoned kickboxer still thriving among the elite
Dustin Jacoby enters this bout with a professional record of (21-9-1). The 37-year-old American is one of the division’s most accomplished pure strikers, bringing a wealth of experience from both MMA and high-level kickboxing. A former GLORY competitor, Jacoby has long been known for his disciplined range control, sharp jab, and damaging low kicks, all of which translate effectively to the cage.
After a difficult stretch between 2022 and 2024 that saw him drop four of five fights, Jacoby has steadied the ship with back-to-back wins against Vitor Petrino and Bruno Lopes, reminding observers that many of his losses came against past or future title challengers. While his takedown defence has never been elite, it is serviceable, and he has shown a strong ability to stay active from bottom position and work back to his feet. Jacoby is at his best when he can dictate distance, chip away with volume, and force opponents to pay for reckless forward pressure.
Julius Walker: Athletic newcomer with upside and unanswered questions
Julius Walker steps into the spotlight with a record of (7-1). The 26-year-old American, nicknamed “Juice Box,” is still early in his professional journey, having only turned pro in 2023. Despite that, he already carries the look of a modern light heavyweight, standing tall with a long frame and impressive physical strength.
Walker fights with aggression and intent, pushing a solid pace and doing his best work when transitioning between striking, clinch exchanges, and takedown attempts. His skill set is still developing, and while he has shown finishing instincts and durability, he remains relatively raw in terms of footwork, defence, and shot selection. A split decision loss to Alonzo Menifield served as a valuable learning experience, while his subsequent win over Raffael Cerqueira suggested steady improvement. This bout represents a significant step up in technical striking opposition.
Dustin Jacoby vs Julius Walker prediction
This matchup largely comes down to control of distance and composure. Walker’s size, youth, and athleticism make him dangerous, but his path to victory relies heavily on landing something big or forcing extended clinch exchanges. Against a striker as polished and measured as Jacoby, those opportunities may be difficult to find consistently.
Jacoby’s ability to manage range with jabs, leg kicks, and lateral movement should allow him to steadily break Walker down over time. As Walker’s entries slow and his reactions dull under sustained damage, Jacoby’s experience and shot selection are likely to shine. Provided the veteran avoids unnecessary brawling and stays defensively responsible, he should be able to bank rounds and inflict the more telling damage.
Prediction: Dustin Jacoby to win, with the fight going over 1.5 rounds
