Johnny Walker Vs. Ryan Spann Added To UFC 253

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The wild and eccentric Walker will attempt to snap a two fight losing streak against another highly touted prospect at 205, Ryan ‘Superman’ Spann.

After blowing into the UFC off a win on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series and winning his first three fights in the promotion via wild KOs, the sky looked to be the limit for Brazilian light heavyweight Johnny Walker. But then the wings fell off with two back to back defeats: a first round TKO at the hands of Corey Anderson and a decision loss to Nikita Krylov.

All of a sudden it was nothing but questions regarding the once hyped potential challenger to the “Bones” Jones dynasty. He wouldn’t be the first flashy fighter to turn flash in the pan. But Walker will have a chance to prove the last two losses were just bumps in the road as he returns to action on September 19th at UFC 253 against Ryan Spann. The bout was first confirmed by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

Spann has a similar background as a DWTNCS alum with a number of impressive finishes under his belt. A massive KO win over Lil Nog in May of 2019 was followed up with a slick guillotine choke of Devin Clark.

Most recently he struggled in a drag out war against Sam Alvey at UFC 249 but still managed to cinch a split decision win in the end.

Spann should be the betting favorite coming into this fight but Walker’s charisma and wild style will undoubtedly have people excited to see him back and rooting for a return to form. After a brief stint at Tristar MMA in Montreal with coach Firas Zahabi, Walker is currently in Ireland under the tutelage of Straight Blast Gym’s John Kavanagh.

It’s a solid fight added UFC 253, which is set to be headlined by a middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa. Also on the card: Mackenzie Dern vs. Randa Markos, Hakeem Dawodu vs. Zubaira Tukhugov, and Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Ciryl Gane.