In a recent interview, Volkan Oezdemir, the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, made a bold claim about his upcoming bout against Johnny Walker.
The Swiss fighter confidently declared that he is a heavy favorite against the Brazilian striker. The two fighters are set to face off on the main card of UFC Saudi Arabia, scheduled for this Saturday.
Volkan Oezdemir, known for his powerful striking and grappling skills, expressed his confidence in securing a finish against Walker. When asked about his game plan, he stated, “I’m gonna choke him also, yeah?.. Yeah, of course [that’s the plan]. Just show me a little bit of neck, then it’s gonna be like that.”
"I'm gonna choke him out as well"@Volkan_Oezdemir looks to keep his win streak alive against @JohnnyWalker, who earlier promised to get revenge for his teammate Bogdan Guskov.#UFCSaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/U300ySiccp
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 19, 2024
Volkan Oezdemir Plans to Sray Methodical Against Walker
“A little bit on the ground, some ground and pound, turn your back, I’m gonna squeeze it on you. Of course, he’s wild… he does his stuff, but I think the goal is to stay methodical… I have way more ways to finish the fights. It’s gonna be for me like 3-1; I know I have way more technical stuff than him.”
Comparing their MMA records, both fighters are inside the top 10 in the UFC light heavyweight division. Walker, currently ranked No. 7, holds a 21-8 (1) record, while Volkan Oezdemir, ranked No. 9, boasts a 19-7 record. Walker aims for redemption after a recent knockout loss to Magomed Ankalaev, while Oezdemir seeks to earn his first light heavyweight title shot since challenging Daniel Cormier in 2018.