Valter Walker has issued a warning to his heavyweight peers in the Ultimate Fighting Championship for when the fight hits the mat.
The Brazilian submission specialist continued his remarkable streak at UFC Abu Dhabi, forcing a tap from Thomas Petersen with a rare calf slicer in the first round. This marked only the fourth successful calf slicer in Octagon history and extended Walker’s streak of sub victories to five straight.
Valter Walker says he has an answer when opponents defend his heel hook.
Walker (16-1) secured four consecutive wins via heel hooks going into UFC Abu Dhabi and added yet another leg-based submission conquest to his record with his victory over Petersen. “The Foot Hunter” later explained that the finish came after his American counterpart successfully defended the heel hook.
“If you’re ready for the heel hook, I have a variation to find a way to win the fight,” Walker said in a post-fight interview. “If the fight is on the ground, be careful. I will surprise you every time.”
Walker has six submission wins overall, in addition to just as many knockouts. His current streak of first-round submissions paves the way for a high-profile matchup next, which he’s targeting for UFC 333 in October, also slated for Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
“I just want to relax a little bit now, take a holiday with my wife — but I want to fight again in October here,” Walker added. “I’ll talk to my manager and find out who’s next.”
