UFC on ESPN 72: Julius Walker vs Raffael Cerqueira Preview & Prediction

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Two light heavyweights clash in this weekend’s featured prelim as Julius Walker takes on Raffael Cerqueira. Both men are still chasing their first UFC win and will be eager to make a statement.

Julius Walker vs Raffael Cerqueira facts

What time are Julius Walker and Raffael Cerqueira expected to walk out?

Where is UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? UFC Apex, Enterprise, USA

Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC on ESPN 72

What TV channel is UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+

Where can I stream UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass

UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez main card

Roman Dolidze vs Anthony Hernandez (Middleweight)

Steve Erceg vs Ode' Osbourne (Bantamweight)

Iasmin Lucindo vs Angela Hill (Women’s Strawweight)

Andre Fili vs Christian Rodriguez (Featherweight)

Miles Johns vs Jean Matsumoto (Bantamweight)

Eryk Anders vs Christian Leroy Duncan (Middleweight)

UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez prelims

Julius Walker vs Raffael Cerqueira (Light Heavyweight)

Elijah Smith vs Toshiomi Kazama (Bantamweight)

Joselyne Edwards vs Priscila Cachoeira (Women’s Bantamweight)

Uros Medic vs Gilbert Urbina (Welterweight)

Gabriella Fernandes vs Julija Stoliarenko (Women’s Flyweight)

Cody Brundage vs Eric McConico (Light Heavyweight)

Julius Walker: Creative striker looking to showcase full potential

Julius Walker (6-1) enters this bout as a promising 26-year-old prospect. After going undefeated on the regional scene, he made his UFC debut on short notice against ranked contender Alonzo Menifield. Despite the circumstances, Walker pushed Menifield to a close split decision — a performance that raised his stock, despite the loss.

With a 100% finish rate, Walker brings a dynamic striking game to the cage. He’s a tall, rangy fighter who utilises creative elbows and spinning attacks. While his cardio came into question in the Menifield fight, that bout was taken on short notice, and a full camp should offer improvements. He also possesses solid submission skills, making him a well-rounded threat.

Raffael Cerqueira: Brazilian brute desperate for UFC breakthrough

Raffael Cerqueira (11-2) had a strong run on the regional circuit but has struggled to translate that form into UFC success. The 35-year-old Brazilian has suffered back-to-back first-round stoppage losses since joining the promotion, falling to Ibo Aslan and Modestas Bukauskas, both in round one.

Cerqueira was previously seen as a tall and dangerous striker with legitimate knockout power, but under the UFC spotlight, he has looked tentative and vulnerable. He has been easily backed up to the cage and caught clean early, suggesting the big stage may be affecting his composure and decision-making.

Julius Walker vs Raffael Cerqueira Prediction

This bout presents a strong opportunity for Julius Walker to make his mark. The American has youth, momentum, and more creativity in the octagon — not to mention a commendable debut showing against a ranked opponent. With a full training camp, his cardio concerns should be addressed, allowing him to push a more consistent pace.

In contrast, Cerqueira has not yet looked like the same fighter under UFC lights, and his recent first-round defeats raise serious concerns about his durability at this level.

Given Walker’s 100% finish rate and Cerqueira’s back-to-back KO/TKO losses, the prediction leans heavily towards an early finish for the American.