Walker targets Petersen at UFC Fight Night 282 in Abu Dhabi on July 25

Valter Walker and Thomas Petersen will meet in a heavyweight contest at UFC Fight Night 282 on July 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with Walker carrying one of the most distinctive submission streaks in the promotion’s history into the matchup.

Walker (15-1) bounced back from the only defeat of his professional career — suffered in his UFC debut in 2024 — by reeling off five consecutive submission victories, each secured via heel hook. That run has drawn him level with Rousimar Palhares for the most heel hook finishes in UFC history, a record that underlines why the Brazilian has earned the nickname “The Foot Hunter.”

Petersen (11-4) arrives with a more mixed recent record. “The Train” entered the UFC in 2024 having lost only once before — to Waldo Cortes-Acosta — but has since gone 3-3 inside the promotion, alternating wins and losses throughout his tenure. He heads into this fight on a positive note, however, having claimed a majority decision victory over the previously undefeated Guilherme Pat in April.

The contrast in styles sets up an intriguing heavyweight clash. Walker’s relentless pursuit of leg locks gives him a finishing threat that few heavyweights in the division can replicate, while Petersen’s experience of navigating adversity in the UFC suggests he will not be an easy target. Whether Petersen can keep the fight standing or neutralise Walker’s grappling game is likely to define the outcome on fight night.