UFC on ESPN 72 – Julius Walker vs Rafael Cerqueira – Full Fight Replay Available Today

Julius “Juice Box” Walker faced Rafael Cerqueira at UFC on ESPN 72 in a pivotal light heavyweight bout. Walker came into the fight with a 6-1 record, looking to rebound after a close split-decision loss to Alonzo Menifield earlier in the year. Cerqueira, holding an 11-2 record, was also seeking redemption following a knockout defeat by Modestas Bukauskas at UFC 308. Both fighters were motivated to prove their place in the highly competitive light heavyweight division.

The fight started with both athletes showcasing their striking skills. Walker, known for his heavy hands, aimed to establish control early by pushing forward aggressively. Cerqueira, a southpaw with a technical striking style, used his reach advantage effectively to counter Walker’s pressure. The opening round was balanced, with both landing meaningful strikes and demonstrating solid defense, setting the tone for a closely contested battle.

In the second round, Walker’s pressure began to wear on Cerqueira. Using his reach and height, Walker effectively kept Cerqueira at distance with jabs and low kicks, gradually sapping his opponent’s energy. Cerqueira, however, showed resilience by attempting to close the gap and land his own counters, making the round competitive despite Walker’s growing control. Both fighters displayed toughness as fatigue began to settle in.

The final round saw Walker’s conditioning and strategy come through strongly. He maintained distance and picked his shots carefully, avoiding Cerqueira’s attempts to mount a comeback. Cerqueira struggled to find openings against Walker’s effective defensive tactics and couldn’t turn the tide. As the bell rang, it was clear Walker had dominated the latter stages of the fight with superior pacing and precision.

When the judges’ scores were read, Walker was awarded a unanimous decision victory, marking his seventh professional win and cementing his status as a rising contender in the light heavyweight ranks. Cerqueira, despite the loss, displayed heart and skill throughout the bout and will look to regroup. The fight highlighted the depth of talent in the division and set the stage for both fighters to continue pushing forward in their UFC careers.