This past Saturday night in the main event of UFC Vegas 48, we saw a big time light heavyweight showcase. Surging top prospect Jamahal Hill (10-1, 1 NC) was taking on the tough and entertaining Johnny Walker (18-7).
Just a few years ago, Johnny Walker was in the same position that Jamahal Hill finds himself in now. Walker was once the most feared and hyped prospect in the UFC’s light heavyweight division after he opened up his career 3-0 with three first round knockouts.
However, he injured his shoulder during a celebration and he’s really struggled since. Heading into UFC Vegas 48, Walker was just 1-3 in his last four fights and really needed a win over the top prospect to re-establish himself.
Well, unfortunately for Walker, he wasn’t able to do that on Saturday night. Early on, Walker was doing a good job making Hill miss big as Hill was hunting the knockout. I was actually really impressed with what I saw from Walker in the opening minutes.
However, it wasn’t long before Hill landed a massive overhand right on Walker. Walker was out as soon as the shot hit his head and he had a brutal fall back to the canvas and that officially dropped him to 1-4 in his last five UFC fights.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 48?
Make no mistake about it, this loss at UFC Vegas 48 is a brutal one for Johnny Walker. Yes, he’s only lost to ranked competition, however, you can only lose so many fights before the UFC starts questioning their faith in you.
As mentioned, Walker is now 1-4 in his last five and he’s desperately going to need to win in his next fight. So, who will the UFC pair him up with next? Well, I’m not sure they are going to do him any favors.
I don’t see Walker falling out of the rankings after this loss which likely means another ranked opponent. If that’s the route, the UFC would likely look at a matchup between Walker and Jimmy Crute (12-2).
Like Walker, Jimmy Crute is also coming off of a knockout loss to Jamahal Hill. He’s lost two fights in a row which has really cooled off the momentum he was riding in 2021. Look for a matchup between these two and with both men desperately needing a win, it could be fireworks.