Julius Walker vs Raffael Cerqueira
UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs Hernandez
Saturday, August 9, 2025

Explore Detailed Fighter Profiles
Click on either the fighter's name or profile image for each fighter to access comprehensive UFC statistics including striking metrics, grappling data, clinch performance, complete fight history, offensive & defensive analytics, and round-by-round breakdowns.
Performance Metrics
Victory Methods
Win Round Distribution
Performance Metrics
Victory Methods
Win Round Distribution
Last 5 Fights - Julius Walker
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-22 | Alonzo Menifield | L | Decision - Split (R3, 5:00) |
| 2024-12-07 | Myron Dennis | W | TKO - Ground & Pound (R1, 1:58) |
| 2024-11-16 | Bevon Lewis | W | TKO - Ground & Pound (R1, 3:30) |
| 2024-06-01 | Nyle Bartling | W | Submission - Triangle Choke/Arm-Bar (R2, 1:38) |
| 2024-03-23 | Mike Cook | W | TKO - Tapout to Strikes (R1, 0:46) |
Last 5 Fights - Raffael Cerqueira
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-22 | Modestas Bukauskas | L | TKO - Combination Punches (R1, 2:12) |
| 2024-10-26 | Ibo Aslan | L | TKO - Punches (R1, 0:50) |
| 2024-04-28 | Rodrigo Araรบjo | W | KO/TKO (R1, 4:58) |
| 2024-01-27 | Ivonilson Dias | W | KO/TKO (R1, 4:18) |
| 2023-12-07 | Jhonathan Azevedo | W | Submission - Arm Triangle Choke (R1, 1:17) |
Technical Analysis
Technical Score
Cardio Score
Overall Rating
๐ Technical Score
Calculated based on striking composite (62 vs 33) and overall technical effectiveness. Walker's superior volume and accuracy contrast with Cerqueira's raw power but limited technique.
๐ช Cardio Score
Based on fight duration and sustained output. Walker's 15-minute averages show superior cardio, while Cerqueira's 1:32 average suggests limited conditioning beyond early rounds.
๐ฏ Overall Rating
Weighted average of technical and cardio scores. Walker's 64 vs Cerqueira's 28 reflects the significant disparity in overall MMA readiness and fight sustainability.
Striking Composite
Grappling Composite
๐ฅ Striking Composite
Walker's 62 vs Cerqueira's 33 reflects volume (5.73 vs 3.28 SLpM) and defensive responsibility. Despite Cerqueira's power, his porous defense (absorbs 14.43 vs 5.80) creates major vulnerability.
๐คผ Grappling Composite
Walker's 34 vs Cerqueira's 0 shows complete dominance. Walker's 100% takedown defense and occasional wrestling threats contrast with Cerqueira's minimal grappling data.
Technical Radar Comparison
Metrics Legend
Detailed Statistical Comparison
๐ฅ Fight Analysis Breakdown
โก Julius Walker Key Advantages
Proven 15-minute fight duration vs Cerqueira's 1:32 average - massive endurance advantage
Excellent defensive wrestling allows him to dictate where the fight takes place
9 years younger, 1" taller, 2" longer reach - can control distance and pace
โ ๏ธ Unfavorable Scenarios
Cerqueira's explosive power in the first 4 minutes could catch Walker during entry attempts
Walker's 41% striking defense could be exposed by Cerqueira's southpaw power shots
๐ Likely Gameplan
Use jab-low kick volume to maintain range and avoid extended pocket exchanges
Weather early storm, then increase pace to exploit cardio advantage in later rounds
๐ฅ Raffael Cerqueira Key Advantages
73% KO rate with 8 first-round finishes - devastating early power threat
Southpaw stance creates angles for power shots against orthodox Walker
Willingness to engage early creates chaos that can end fights instantly
โ ๏ธ Unfavorable Scenarios
Fights lasting beyond 5 minutes expose major cardio deficiencies
Walker's reach advantage makes it difficult to land clean power shots
๐ Likely Gameplan
Blitz from southpaw stance, load rear hand and left round kick early
Must finish fight in first 4 minutes or face increasing disadvantage
๐ฏ Fight Prediction Analysis
Data-driven prediction model based on statistical analysis
๐Detailed Analysis Summary
๐ฏKey Statistical Disparities
This light heavyweight clash presents one of the most dramatic statistical disparities in recent UFC history. Walker's comprehensive advantages in cardio (80 vs 38), overall rating (64 vs 28), and technical execution (48 vs 17) create a massive gulf in fight sustainability. The most telling statistic is average fight duration: Walker's 15-minute average versus Cerqueira's 1:32 reveals a fundamental difference in fighting philosophy and conditioning approach.
๐ชPhysical and Technical Breakdown
Walker's physical advantages compound his technical superiority. At 25 years old versus Cerqueira's 34, Walker combines youth with a 2-inch reach advantage (78" vs 76") and superior striking volume (5.73 vs 3.28 SLpM). However, the most crucial factor is his 100% takedown defense, which allows him to dictate range and pace. Cerqueira's counter-argument lies in his exceptional finishing ability (90.9% finish rate) and southpaw power, but his defensive liabilities (absorbs 14.43 vs 5.80 SApM) create significant vulnerability.
โฑ๏ธTime-Based Victory Scenarios
The fight's outcome will likely be determined by timing and fight phase dynamics. Cerqueira's window of opportunity is narrow but legitimate - his 8 first-round finishes demonstrate genuine early-fight danger. The statistical model suggests that if Cerqueira doesn't finish the fight in the first 4 minutes, his win probability drops exponentially. Walker's path to victory involves weathering the initial storm, then leveraging his superior cardio and technical skills to dominate the later phases.
๐Final Prediction Analysis
While respecting Cerqueira's finishing ability, the statistical evidence overwhelmingly favors Walker. The 65-35 split reflects both Walker's comprehensive advantages and Cerqueira's legitimate power threat. Walker's perfect takedown defense, superior cardio, and technical precision create multiple paths to victory, while Cerqueira's success depends on a specific sequence of events occurring within a limited timeframe. The most likely outcome is Walker surviving the early blitz, then imposing his pace to secure either a decision victory or late finish.
๐ฐ Betting Analysis: Model vs Market
Detailed value assessment in the betting market
๐Market Odds
Market Props
๐คAnalytical Model
Model Props
๐Value Opportunities
GOOD VALUE
Model: 65.0% | Market: 65.0%
SLIGHT VALUE
Model: 40% | Market: ~40%
RISK PLAY
Model: 30% | Market: 30%
๐กBetting Recommendations
- โข Walker moneyline up to -185 - Fair value with superior fighter
- โข "Fight starts Round 2" at -135 - 60% probability based on cardio advantage
- โข Cerqueira R1 KO as small sprinkle - 30% chance at good odds for volatility
- โข Avoid Cerqueira ML - Requires perfect execution within narrow window
๐ฏ Comprehensive Probabilistic Analysis
100 hypothetical fight simulation based on statistical data
โกOutcome Distribution - Walker
Cardio advantage in later rounds
Late finish when Cerqueira fades
Rare but possible with grappling
๐ฅOutcome Distribution - Cerqueira
Primary path to victory - early finish
Unlikely given cardio concerns
No historical submission threat
โฐFight Timeline Analysis
๐ฅCerqueira's Window (0-4 minutes)
- โข Maximum Power: Fresh legs and explosive southpaw threat
- โข Urgency Factor: Must finish early or face exponential disadvantage
- โข Statistical Support: 8 first-round finishes in career
- โข Tactical Approach: Immediate blitz with loaded rear hand
โกWalker's Progression (4+ minutes)
- โข Cardio Advantage: 15-minute average vs 1:32 opponent
- โข Technical Dominance: Superior volume and defensive responsibility
- โข Physical Advantages: Youth, size, and reach control
- โข Late Finishing: Increasing submission/TKO threat as fight progresses
๐ฏ Final Confidence Assessment
Confidence level and uncertainty factors
Confidence Level
High confidence due to clear statistical advantages
โ Supporting Factors
- โข Significant cardio advantage (80 vs 38)
- โข Superior technical skills
- โข Physical advantages (age, size, reach)
- โข Perfect takedown defense
- โข Cerqueira's defensive vulnerabilities
โ ๏ธRisk Factors
- โข Cerqueira's early knockout power
- โข Southpaw vs Orthodox dynamics
- โข Walker's 41% striking defense
- โข Light heavyweight volatility
- โข First 4 minutes are dangerous
๐Executive Summary
This light heavyweight bout represents a classic "styles make fights" scenario with a clear statistical favorite. Walker's comprehensive advantages in cardio (80 vs 38), technical execution (48 vs 17), and physical attributes create multiple paths to victory. The key variable is Cerqueira's early knockout threat, which provides legitimate but time-limited danger in the opening 4 minutes.
The statistical model's 65-35 split accurately reflects both Walker's overwhelming advantages and Cerqueira's puncher's chance. Walker's perfect takedown defense, superior cardio, and technical precision make him heavily favored once the fight progresses beyond the early explosive phase. Cerqueira's 90.9% finish rate and 73% KO rate provide genuine early threat, but his defensive liabilities and cardio concerns create major vulnerabilities.
Prediction: Walker weathers the early storm and imposes his superior conditioning and technical skills to secure victory, most likely by decision (40%) or late finish (25%). The confidence level of 7/10 reflects the clear statistical disparities while respecting Cerqueira's early finishing ability. Walker's moneyline at -186 represents fair value, with the "Fight starts Round 2" prop offering additional betting value.
