TLDR
- Valter Walker defeated Thomas Petersen with a calf slicer at UFC Abu Dhabi, marking only the fourth successful calf slicer in UFC history
- The victory extended Walker’s winning streak to five consecutive first-round submission victories
- Walker transitioned to the calf slicer after Petersen successfully defended his signature heel hook attempt
- The Brazilian fighter announced plans to open Walker BJJ in Moscow and called out Ciryl Gane
- Walker is targeting a return at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi in October after taking a short vacation
Sources: cagesidepress.com | sherdog.com | mmajunkie.usatoday.com
Brazilian heavyweight Valter Walker forced Thomas Petersen to tap with a calf slicer at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, recording just the fourth successful calf slicer submission in UFC history. The victory marked Walker’s fifth consecutive first-round submission win.
Walker (16-1) entered the featured prelim bout having won four straight fights via heel hook. But when Petersen (11-5) successfully defended against the heel hook attempt early in the fight, Walker quickly switched to a different leg attack.
The fight went to the ground in the opening minutes. Walker immediately went for his signature heel hook, rolling with Petersen as the American tried to escape.
Petersen managed to avoid tapping to the heel hook. But as he tried to scramble away from Walker, his leg remained trapped.
ANOTHER SUBMISSION FOR VALTER WALKER 🤯
Make that FIVE in a row for the heavyweight!
[ #UFCAbuDhabi | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/UW0E0QzcKT
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 25, 2026
Walker Adapts When Opponents Defend
Walker transitioned to a calf slicer, applying pressure until Petersen had no choice but to tap at 1:32 of the first round. The finish gave Walker his fifth straight submission victory, all coming in the first round.
“If you’re ready for the heel hook, I have a variation to find a way to win the fight,” Walker told UFC in a post-fight interview. “If the fight is on the ground, be careful. I will surprise you every time.”
Speaking with Daniel Cormier after the fight, Walker revealed he initially didn’t plan to submit Petersen. His coach told him to go out and make history instead.
Walker, 28, is the younger brother of longtime UFC fighter Johnny Walker. He lost his UFC debut in 2024 by decision but has won five straight fights since then.
The Brazilian fighter announced he is opening Walker BJJ in Moscow to teach his grappling techniques. He also used the post-fight interview to call out heavyweight Ciryl Gane.
Fighter Targets Gane, Eyes October Return
Walker said he wants to “punch him in the back of the head” after Gane defeated Alex “Poatan” Pereira at the White House earlier this year. He borrowed Pereira’s catchphrase “Chama!” during his callout.
The Brazilian fighter has six submission wins and six knockout victories in his professional career. His current streak of five first-round submissions has positioned him for higher-profile matchups in the heavyweight division.
Walker told media he wants to take a short break with his wife before returning to the Octagon. He is targeting UFC 333 in October, which is scheduled to take place at 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 said. “I’ll talk to my manager and find out who’s next.”
Walker previously fought at a UFC event in Abu Dhabi last year. He defeated Louie Sutherland with a first-round heel hook submission and earned a bonus for that performance.
The victory over Petersen came as Walker was fighting out his contract. His five-fight winning streak and unique submission skills have made him a dangerous matchup for any heavyweight willing to grapple.
