This was viewed as an elimination match for the bantamweights that entered the cage in this preliminary fight. Ken Stone came out fast and used his submission finishing skills to place Donny Walker on the brink of an UFC exit.
Stone started with excellent technical striking at the onset. It is definitely clear that he has worked heavily on being more technical and balanced in that area. Donny Walker looked decent also, until Stone applied pressure and the fight got the ground. From that point, Stone took control and quickly moved to his back. Walker has had consistent trouble fending off submissions in his career with 3 of his last 4 losses have been by a rear-naked choke.
Even in a dire situation, Walker showed a warrior’s spirit as he refused to submit even when Stone secured the rear-naked choke. However, Walker’s will couldn’t keep his eyes open as he took a nap in ring as Stone celebrated a win at 2:40 into round one to move his UFC career record to 1-1. The win saves what would’ve been a sure exit from the UFC for Stone and most likely pushes Donny Walker back to lower organizations to hone his skills.
Stone’s next fight will probably be a gate keeper fight against a UFC newcomer on another UFC fight night or Ultimate Fighter finale to show Joe Silva that he has the tools to step up in competition. Donny Walker’s next fight will most likely be in a Shark Fights bout coming to a city near you.
by Bleacher Report’s Antwyn Jackson