In a tense fight, Thiago Marreta defeats Johnny Walker in the main fight of UFC Las Vegas 38

T. Marreta defeated J. Walker on points in the UFC Las Vegas 38. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram UFC

Full of expectations, the fight between the Johnny Walker e Thiago Marreta closed the main card of UFC Las Vegas 38 this Saturday (2). The Tupiniquin athletes, however, had a close duel and, after 25 minutes, Marreta won by unanimous decision from the judges (48-47, 48-47, 48-47). The duel was valid in the light heavyweight category (up to 93kg) of Ultimate.

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Marreta now breathes a sigh of relief and wins again in Ultimate after two setbacks. Former challenger for the light heavyweight belt (under 93kg), he has 22 wins and nine losses.

Johnny Walker, who entered the octagon happy and dancing, once again 'tastes' defeat. In his career, the former Contender Series athlete now has a record of 18 positive results and six negative results.

The fight

With great respect, the Tupiniquin athletes exchanged fights at the beginning of the fight. The initiatives were taken by Johhny Walker on the left knee – already operated – of Thiago Marreta. Then, Walker came in with a kick to the waist, soon responded with a 'stomp' from Marreta. The respect between the athletes even allowed the round to be studied to a large extent.

In the second round, Marreta loosened up his game more and focused on hitting Walker around the waist. Johnny, on the other hand, continued to hit Thiago's knees and seemed to score an entry with his right, but he didn't actually land.

The third round was marked by 'more of the same' between the fighters. After scoring the leg kick, Thiago Marreta threw a hard left straight at Johnny Walker, who retreated. In the counterattack, the former light heavyweight title challenger once again connected his opponent's face and, superior, managed to spin around the octagon.

Already 'calibrated' in the duel, Marreta and Walker only entered at the right moment – ​​with greater danger to Thiago. As part of his strategy, Johnny kicked his knee and, consequently, tried to avoid approaching his opponent.

Finally, despite the advantage, Marreta continued to press and applied a strong cross, which ended up being absorbed by Walker. In the center of the cage, Johnny gave a quick response and almost missed the target. In the final stretch of the fight, Thiago controlled the center and took the duel by the judges' decision.

UFC Las Vegas 38 results

MAIN CARD

Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Thiago Marreta derrotou Johnny Walker in the unanimous decision of the judges (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Kevin holland x Kyle Daukaus ended No Contest in R2 due to an unintentional headbutt from Daukaus on Holland

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Niko Price derrotou Alex Cowboy in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Krzysztof Jotko derrotou Misha Cirkunov in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Alexander Hernandez derrotou Mike Breeden by knockout at 1m20s of R1

PRELIMINARY CARD

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Jared gordon derrotou Joe Solecki in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg):  Casey O'Neill derrotou Antonina Shevchenko by technical knockout at 4m47s of R2

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Karol Rosa derrotou Beth Pitbull in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Jamie Mullarkey derrotou Devonte Smith by technical knockout at 2m51s of R2

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Douglas D'Silva derrotou Gaetano Pirrello by knockout at 2m04s of R1

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Stephanie Egger derrotou Shanna Young by technical knockout at 2m22s of R2

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Alejandro Perez finished Johnny Eduardo with an armbar at 4m13s of R2