MMA
UFC Fight Night results: Thiago Santos outstrikes Johnny Walker to snap losing streak
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Thiago Santos was in dire need of a win heading into his main event tilt with Johnny Walker at Saturday's UFC Fight Night. Not only was the former light heavyweight title challenger looking to snap a three-fight losing streak, but it was also the final fight on his UFC contract.
While he didn't get the finish he desired, Santos showed great patience and used a heavy kick attack to thwart Walker's aggressiveness to win via unanimous decision from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
"Hey Dana (White, UFC President), Mick (Maynard, UFC matchmaker), let's renew my contract, please," Santos pleaded. "It's my last fight. Let's renew and give me a little bit more money, please."
There wasn't much to the opening round. Being the bigger man inside the Octagon, Walker utilized his power with hard kicks to the leg and body while Santos couldn’t find an entry point to attack.
Santos (22-9) came out more aggressive and started to open things up to begin the second with a series of kicks, including a hard kick that buckled Walker for a moment. Santos followed it up with a takedown attempt. He nearly got it by Walker staved it off. Santos switched stances and blasted a hook and a thudding body kick.
Walker started the third with a lot of feints and leg kicks. But Santos regained control of the round and neutralized Walked when he fired right back with a quick head kick that Walker didn’t even see coming. A hard left cross nearly sent Walker to the cage. A determined Santos stayed focused on battering Walker’s legs, and whenever he saw an opening upstairs, he’d unload a left hand.
Between the third and fourth round, Walker’s corner told him that he needed to pick up the pace if he was going to win the fight. He listened by feinting, which helped set up a front kick, side kick, and front kick. With about 90 seconds remaining in the round, Walker connects on two hard low kicks. A moment later, Walker threw another body kick and two hard right hands to end the round.
In the fifth and final round and the fight hanging in the balance, both guys were aggressive with an exchange of kicks. Santos connected on a hard body kick. Walker landed a right, and Santos fired back with a left. Santos blasted a hard left that Walker looked to have shaken off. Walker returned with two consecutive leg kicks. With about a minute to go, Santos landed a left hand. Then with 20 seconds remaining, the No. 5-ranked light heavyweight flicked a head kick to end the fight to snap his three-fight losing streak and what should earn himself that new contract with a good size pay increase.
UFC Fight Night main card results
- Thiago Santos def. Johnny Walker via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47); Light Heavyweight
- Kyle Daukaus vs. Kevin Holland a no-contest (accidental headbutt); Middleweight
- Niko Price def. Alex Oliveira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28); Welterweight
- Krzysztof Jotko def. Misha Cirkunov via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28); Middleweight
- Alexander Hernandez def. Mike Breeden via knockout at 4:20 of the first round; Lightweight
