Valter Walker makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
After finishing Thomas Petersen with a calf lock, Valter Walker also stole the show in the post-fight interview. Still in the octagon at UFC Abu Dhabi , held this Saturday (25), the Brazilian lashed out at referee Herb Dean and, jokingly, even “challenged” him to a fight, in reference to the referee’s performance in Alex Poatan ’s defeat to Ciryl Gane , at the White House.
Walker recalled the controversy surrounding the defeat of the former Brazilian champion and stated that he intends to "avenge" Poatan, criticizing Dean for his handling of the fight. He then made an unusual challenge to the veteran referee.
See too
“I want to fight Herb Dean next time. He cowardly attacked our Indian. I’m going to get Herb Dean, I’m going to just elbow him in the back of the neck, my brother. He messed up with our Indian. I’m going to get my revenge, Herb Dean. I’m watching you. I want Herb Dean next time. Call me!”, said the Rio de Janeiro native.
It quickly resonated on social media. Despite the lighthearted tone, Walker's statement refers to criticism from some fans and Alex Poatan 's team regarding the referee's performance in the fight against Ciryl Gane , which was marked by controversy involving blows to the back of the head suffered by the Brazilian.
VIDEO: Valter Walker wins fifth consecutive victory
UNBELIEVABLE 😱 @ValterUFC locks in the calf-slicer for the victory at #UFCAbuDhabi!
[LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/O9UPQDS1Oq
— UFC (@ufc) July 25, 2026
UFC Abu Dhabi results
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov by knockout (punches) 2m39s R5
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Ramazan Temirov defeated Steve Erceg by knockout (punches) at 4:21 of round 1.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman – fight cancelled
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Magomed Zaynukov defeated Damian Rzepecki by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Rizvan Kuniev defeated Tyrell Fortune by technical knockout (knees) at 1:12 of round 3.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Abubakar Vagaev defeated Saygid Izagakhmaev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Valter Walker defeated Thomas Petersen by submission (calf lock) at 1:32 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Muhammad Saidov defeated Dustin Jacoby by technical knockout (punches) at 4:48 of round 2.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sam Patterson defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio by knockout (punch) at 3:06 of round 2.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Axel Sola defeated Ismael Bonfim by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:44 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Tuchalov defeated Brendson Ribeiro by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Nurullo Aliev defeated Mike Davis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Abdul Hussein defeated Cody Gibson by submission (katagatame) at 3:07 of round 3.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
Comments