Valter Walker scored another impressive heel hook finish earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 15, 2025) at UFC Vegas 102 LIVE on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, stopping heavyweight veteran Don’Tale Mayes in just 77 seconds.
Walker, who is the brother of UFC light heavyweight Johnny Walker, was 1-1 in UFC entering this weekend and really needed to prove he’s the real deal for a division desperate for fresh blood. Luckily, Walker was riding some momentum after stopping Junior Tafa with a heel hook submission his last time out at UFC 305 back in Aug. 2024.
Mayes isn’t considered a good grappler in the heavyweight division and for good reason. It took Walker little to no time to get inside along the fence and drag Mayes to the canvas. From there, “Clean Monster” worked from the top and eventually timed a slick transition to a heel hook. Mayes fought for a few moments before Walker reapplied the submission and forced the tap.
Check out the finish in the above video player.
Walker, 27, now has two-straight heel hook finishes inside of the Octagon and is proving to be a real force this early into his UFC stint. Considering Mayes was ranked No. 15 in the heavyweight division it wouldn’t e surprising to see Walker get another top 15 opponent or even a shot at the top 10 his next time out.
For complete UFC Vegas 102 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.