UFC on ESPN+ 25 free fight: Corey Anderson upsets Johnny Walker in the first round

Corey Anderson was eager to let people know that there are levels to this game.

Disrespected going into the fight, Anderson (13-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) had a point to prove when he was matched up with highly-touted rising star Johnny Walker at this past November’s UFC 244. Anderson, who had been continuously campaigning for a title shot, was the betting underdog going into the fight, but it wouldn’t take long for him to prove his point.

Round 1 started with Walker delivering his patented fakes and awkward movements, switching stances back and forth. Anderson would eventually charge forward, grabbing Walker’s leg and stacking him against the cage to work for a takedown.

Walker stuffed the first takedown attempt, a good early sign, but just seconds later, Anderson cracked Walker with a big overhand right, followed by a few shots that didn’t fully connect, but ended the combination with a left hook that dropped Walker to the floor.

Anderson made sure not to let Walker off the hook, pouring it on, even as Walker made his way back to his feet. He would take him right back down, dropping some more ground and pound. Walker was in survival mode, stumbling all over the place, until he was met with another big right hand, and the referee stopped the fight with Walker almost out on his feet.

An infuriated Anderson taunted his way across the cage, screaming in Walker’s face, and even mocking his celebratory dance. Big city, bright lights, and Anderson was not going to be denied.

Anderson returns to action this Saturday in the UFC on ESPN+ 25 headliner in Rio Rancho, N.M., when he rematches Jan Blachowicz in what could very well be a No. 1 contender fight.

Anderson won their first meeting in 2015 at UFC 191 via unanimous decision, and he looks to replicate his performance on Feb. 15. Before then, check out the video above to watch Anderson’s big finish over Walker.