Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker UFC Fight Night Picks
The UFC is back in Nashville for the first time since 2023. They have a heavyweight matchup in the main event with a fan favorite entering the octagon against an up-and-coming contender. Ninth-ranked Derrick Lewis is fighting thirteenth-ranked Tallison Teixeira, as both men look to move up the rankings in the shaken-up heavyweight division.
The crowd inside Bridgestone Arena should be top-notch for the plethora of entertaining matchups on the whole card. The prelims begin at 6 p.m. EDT and the main card starts at 9 p.m. EDT, both scheduled to air on ESPN. Here are our best bets for the card, UFC Fight Night Lewis vs Teixeira picks and predictions for FIGHT.
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UFC Fight Night Picks: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker (Nashville)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Valter Walker
Valter Walker and Kennedy Nzechukwu are getting the party started as the first heavyweight matchup of three on the card. Walker has won two consecutive fights, both by heel hook. Nzechukwu has also won two straight fights in the heavyweight division after moving up from light heavyweight. He is 14-5 as a professional and 8-5 in the UFC since 2019.
Walker is a big man who is in the best shape of his life. He also has a massive grappling advantage. He lands 4.95 takedowns and attempts 1.4 submissions per 15 minutes. Walker has landed 70% of takedowns, while Nzechukwu defends 81% of takedowns. He must get Nzechukwu to the mat and control him to win this matchup, but Walker can do it.
The problem Walker will face is that each round will start standing. Nzechukwu is a dangerous striker with explosive power. He has a five-inch reach advantage, despite being one inch shorter. He has won six of eight fights in the UFC by knockout. His power can turn off the lights in an instant, and Walker must remain safe when striking.
Walker's main advantage is his strength. He is the bigger man, but must enter the octagon in great shape. He has solid submission skills and will thrive on the mat. Nzechukwu was submitted by Paul Craig in his UFC debut in 2019 via triangle choke. Walker can get the job done on the mat and likely locks up a submission.
Pick: Valter Walker Moneyline (+170)