In what will be a short turnaround for new UFC Heavyweight star Johnny Walker, the popular Brazilian will be back in action to headline the UFC Fight Night event alongside Waldo Cortes Acosta in the main event at the Meta Apex on Sunday morning.
Main card set to commence at 3am (CAT, GMT+2).
Walker (23-10-0, 1NC) made his UFC Heavyweight debut last month, claiming a spectacular knockout win over Mick Parkin at UFC332 in the process.
Both Walker and Cortes Acosta accepted this fight on short notice after the original main event between Gabriel Bonfim and Sean Brady was cancelled because Brady pulled out with an injury.
The Brazilian will now feature in quick succession as he hopes to make a name for himself in the promotion's premier division following a long career at Light Heavyweight.
Now 34, Walker remains one of UFC’s most exciting fighters after competing with names such as Dominic Reyes, Magomed Ankalaev, Anthony Smith and Khalil Rountree Jr.
While Walker boasts elite experience, Cortes Acosta (17-4-0) made his first UFC appearance in 2022 after claiming a knockout win over Danilo Suzart in Dana White’s Contender Series 48.
The 35-year-old comes into the main event on a two-fight losing streak following unanimous decision losses to Alexander Volkov and Curtis Blaydes, respectively.
Prior to his defeat against Blaydes, Cortes Acosta claimed a knockout victory over the popular Derrick Lewis at UFC324 in January.
Speaking ahead of the fight, Walker expressed that he did not expect a fight call-up so soon but remained ready behind the scenes nonetheless.
"That was a really quick turnaround. I wasn't expecting [a fight] that quickly, but I always stay ready,” Walker said.
"Mick [Maynard] messaged me and offered me this fight, and I said, 'Okay, let's do it. Why not?'
"The opportunity was too great. I wanted to work my way up slowly, but my plans are not God's plans, and if it happens, it's because of God's plans.
"I'm a veteran now, I'm 34 years old, with a lot of experience. I have 17 UFC fights, so It is what it is.
"For me, it's just another day of my life. It's a normal day for me, so let's go, man. Why not?"
UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta v Walker main card:
Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Johnny Walker (Heavyweight – Main event)
Tatiana Suarez vs Virna Jandiroba (Women Strawweight Co-main)
Davey Grant vs Elijah Smith (Bantamweight)
Billy Elekana vs Lucas Fernando (Light Heavyweight)
Priscila Cachoeira vs Nina Milosevic (Women Bantamweight)
Mitch Raposo vs Marcos Degli (Flyweight)