Walker ties UFC record with submission streak, targets Gane after Abu Dhabi victory

Valter Walker extended his dominance in the octagon at UFC Fight Night 282, securing a first-round submission victory over Thomas Petersen at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The win marks Walker’s fifth consecutive submission, tying the UFC record for the longest submission streak in the organisation’s history, a benchmark previously held by Demian Maia.

Walker, who holds a 16-1 record in mixed martial arts and a 5-1 record within the UFC, began the bout by pulling guard to work for his signature heel hook. However, the finish came via a calf slicer at the 1:32 mark of the first round. Petersen, with an 11-5 MMA record, was unable to escape the hold before the referee intervened to stop the contest.

Following the victory, Walker addressed the media to issue a direct challenge to interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. Walker stated he wished to strike Gane, specifically mentioning the back of the head, in an effort to avenge Alex Pereira. Pereira recently lost the interim heavyweight title to Gane via second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250, an event where Pereira alleged that illegal blows contributed to his defeat.

The Abu Dhabi card featured several other decisive outcomes. Muhammad Saidov defeated Dustin Jacoby via second-round TKO, while Sam Patterson secured a second-round TKO victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio. In the lighter weight classes, Axel Sola defeated Ismael Bonfim via a first-round D’Arce choke submission.

Magomed Tuchalov and Nurullo Aliev both secured unanimous decision victories over Brendson Ribeiro and Mike Davis, respectively. The card concluded with Abdul Hussein defeating Cody Gibson via a third-round arm-triangle choke submission. The event was broadcast live on Paramount Plus.