This past Saturday at UFC Saudi Arabia, kicking off the main card was a matchup between two top ten light heavyweight contenders. Former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir (20-7) was looking to win his second fight in a row as he took on top contender Johnny Walker (21-9) who was looking to bounce back after a recent loss.
With the styles of both of these fighters, I really wasn’t expecting this fight to go the distance. From the opening bell, it was very clear that one man was in control of things inside the octagon. That man was Volkan Oezdemir. Oezdemir immediately came out with a ton of pressure on Johnny Walker.
Walker is really good when he can keep his distance and throw his wide range of attacks. However, he really struggled to keep Oezdemir away from him. Oezdemir kept cutting him off and he blasted big combinations. Eventually, Oezdemir hurt Walker badly.
Walker through a flying knee and tried to get some distance but Oezdemir walked through it. Oezdemir cut him off against the fence and landed a nasty uppercut that dropped Walker. Walker was out of it and Oezdemir blasted him with another disgusting shot right to the chin that put him out cold giving Oezdemir the massive win at UFC Saudi Arabia.
What’s next after UFC Saudi Arabia?
This knockout for Oezdemir gave him his second straight first round finish. He’s now ranked seventh in the light heavyweight division and he’s looking better than ever after this latest win. So, who should the UFC put him in there with next? I think there are a couple of really fun options.
I think the best option is a matchup with Khalil Rountree who is now ranked one spot behind him in the rankings. Rountree is on a winning streak and was supposed to face Jamahal Hill at UFC 303, but Rountree tested positive for a tainted supplement and got a two month suspension.
He’s eligible to return to action starting next week. It’s a perfect fight for both men and it’s bound to produce something crazy. I also wouldn’t mind seeing a matchup between Oezdemir and Aleksandar Rakic or even Jan Blachowicz. Either way, Oezdemir needs another matchup against a top guy and if he’s able to get another impressive win, he’ll inch closer towards title contention.