Valter Walker somehow pulled off yet another heel hook finish earlier tonight (Sat., July 12, 2025) at UFC Nashville LIVE on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., stopping heavyweight Kennedy Nzechukwu just 54 seconds into the first round of their “Prelims” fight.
Walker, who came into tonight the betting underdog, had finished his last two trips to the Octagon via first-round heel hook finish. The Brazilian heavyweight is talented, but was he really that good to keep pulling off the same rare submission? Apparently, Walker is that good when it comes to snatching up a heel hook.
The second the fight started Walker came out firing shots and had Nzechukwu backpedaling around the cage. Walker kept the pressure up and hurt the towering heavyweight on the fence. Nzechukwu would briefly recover, but Walker was on his back.
Instead of attacking a takedown or back control, “Clean Monster” took the opportunity to change levels, lock up one of Nzechukwu’s legs, and secure an inverted heel hook. Nzechukwu’s long limb didn’t stand a chance and he was forced to tap.
Check out the video highlights in the above player and let us know how long you think Walker can continue his heel hook dominance in the UFC’s heavyweight division!
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