The UFC has booked a light heavyweight matchup for the main card of their September PPV that is expected to be headlined by Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa.
According to multiple reports, Johnny Walker (17-5) will be taking on Ryan Spann (18-5) at UFC 253. The fight pairs these two contenders who are heading in opposite directions.
UFC Crossroads
Back in 2017, Ryan Spann was knocked out on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. After that, he went back to the regional circuit where he won three consecutive fights by first round stoppage.
After those three wins, Spann got another shot on Dana White’s show. This time, Spann didn’t disappoint submitting his opponent in just 26 seconds which earned him a UFC contract.
Since earning that contract, Spann is 4-0 inside the octagon. The biggest win came against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira back at UFC 237. Spann knocked out Little Nog in the first round.
For Johnny Walker, his career has taken a steep downturn. After winning his first three UFC fights by sensational first round knockouts, he’s lost back-to-back fights.
Walker injured himself in his post-fight celebration after he knocked out Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235. Walker has not been the same fighter since.
This fight will be a massive fight because a loss for Walker puts him in no man’s land. Meanwhile a win for Spann would likely earn him a shot at someone inside the top ten.