Impact Seemingly written off as a light heavyweight contender following back-to-back losses, Walker picked up a statement win here as a big betting underdog of roughly (+300). The first round didn't go his way, as Walker ate multiple big shots and was stuffed on both of his takedown attempts -- one even backfired to the point where he ended up on his back, but he was able to get up to his feet. He did at least land five noteworthy leg kicks in the frame, which built a foundation for his game plan in Round 2. While Walker absorbed two right hands early in the frame, he went back to the leg kicks, landing multiple in a row and clearly compromising his opponent. Eventually Zhang crumbled due to the damage, and Walker pounced with a series of punches and elbows (some of which the legality of was questionable) to eventually end the fight. The finish would go on to earn Walker one of four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses awarded on the evening. There's room for immediate advancement in the UFC's 205-pound division, and huge win like this in enemy territory should immediately merit another top-10 opponent for Walker.
AUGUST 24 • ROTOWIRE
