MMA Preview – Johnny Walker vs Volkan Oezdemir at UFC on ABC 6
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
JOHNNY WALKER VS VOLKAN OEZDEMIR FACTS
When is UFC on ABC 6? Saturday 22nd June, 2024 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ABC 6? Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 6? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ABC 6
What channel is UFC on ABC 6 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 6? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JOHNNY WALKER VS VOLKAN OEZDEMIR LOWDOWN
Johnny Walker (21-8(1)) seemed to be fulfilling his potential until he met Magomed Ankalaev. He had just submitted Ion Cutelaba (2022), knocked out Paul Craig (2023) and outpointed Anthony Smith (2023). He then met the Russian at UFC 294 which ended prematurely after eating an illegal knee. They met again three months later in January this year and Ankalaev closed the chapter with a merciless second-round knockout.
Volkan Oezdemir (19-7) has also struggled for consistency with a loss to Ankalaev (2021) and win over Craig (2022). He went on to lose a unanimous decision to Nikita Krylov (2022) but is coming off the second submission win of his career. He met the dangerous slugger Bogdan Guskov (2023) at UFC Fight Night 226 and wrapped up a rear-naked choke in the first round.
JOHNNY WALKER VS VOLKAN OEZDEMIR PREDICTION
This is a great match-up between two devastating strikers who have been around the block in the light heavyweight division falling short of the upper echelon. They have 28 knockouts between them but are contrasting strikers.
Oezdemir is more orthodox with thunderous fundamental kicks and punches whereas Walker is more dynamic and unpredictable who throws with all eight limbs. Oezdemir is more powerful but will be giving up seven inches in reach and four in height.
This should come down who can control the distance. Walker can hurt Oezdemir from a range where he cannot get hit and covers the distance well with his athleticism. Oezdemir on the other hand is lethal in the pocket and does not need any room to find the knockout.
We would not be surprised if Walker clinches up hoping to land elbows, but Oezdemir will welcome him into his personal space. Walker has more damage on the clock with five knockout losses, so if this turns into a brawl, we back the Swiss native.
That said, Walker still has the skill set to turn the lights out from anywhere. A close decision or knockout either way are just as likely to happen, but Walker’s durability swing this slightly in Oezdemir’s favour.
Prediction: Oezdemir via Decision
