As UFC returns to Nashville this Saturday, July 12, unranked heavyweights Kennedy Nzechukwu and Valter Walker are set to clash on the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Teixeira. Both fighters bring two-fight winning streaks into this matchup, but only one of those streaks will survive this fight. Here’s our in-depth preview of this fight, including my Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Valter Walker prediction.
Our Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Valter Walker Pick
- Pick: Kennedy Nzechukwu via KO
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
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Tale of the Tape
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | Valter Walker | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 33 | 27 |
| Reach | 83 in | 78.5 in |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Record | 14-5-0 | 13-1-0 |
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Valter Walker Preview
Nzechukwu has reinvented himself since moving up to heavyweight, notching two explosive first-round knockouts in a row over Chris Barnett and Lukasz Brzeski. Those performances highlighted his southpaw power and finishing instincts in the new division. His 14-5 professional record includes 10 knockout wins, demonstrating clear stopping power. In this fight, Nzechukwu holds a significant reach advantage that could give him an advantage when combined with his striking power.
Walker enters this fight at 13-1 and may be newer to the UFC limelight, but is a solid 2-1 in the promotion so far. He has won two straight fights after dropping his UFC debut to Lukasz Brzeski. Both of his UFC wins have come by first-round submission. Walker will likely try to get this fight to the ground to neutralize the reach and power advantage that Nzechukwu possesses.
Betting Insights
- Nzechukwu is a -210 favorite in this fight, while Walker is +175 to get the win.
- Both fighters have seen two straight fights end in first-round wins.
- Nzechukwu averages 5.37 significant strikes landed per minute, compared to 1.79 for Walker.
- Walker averages 4.95 takedowns to Nzechukwu’s 0.56.
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Valter Walker Prediction
My keys to this heavyweight fight are as follows:
- Striking advantage: Nzechukwu’s southpaw stance and rangy 83-inch reach will enable him to pick at Walker from distance, clipping him with punches and utilizing footwork to remain outside of takedown range.
- Experience at heavyweight: His recent first-round knockouts at 265 lbs showcase proven power in this weight class, despite Nzechukwu still being relatively new to heavyweight action.
- Takedown defense: If Nzechukwu can keep Walker off his hips in round one, he maintains control. Walker’s success relies heavily on getting the fight to the mat early, which is a tall ask if Nzechukwu can keep him at bay with his strikes.
Final Prediction: Expect Nzechukwu to dominate in striking exchanges, build confidence, and secure a knockout finish either late in the first or during round two. Walker’s path is clear, to close the distance and get Nzechukwu off his feet, but I don’t see him being able to get in close enough to do that consistently.
