UFC Vegas 38 was the ninth time in UFC history that we got to witness two of Brazil’s top talents under contract face off. Brazil vs. Brazil is always a great match-up, and with a fight between Thiago Santos and Johnny Walker, we knew exactly what we were getting with two of the most explosive men in the light heavyweight division. At least we thought we did.
Johnny Walker may have had a slight stumble with back-to-back losses not too long ago, but he bounced back in spectacular fashion with a first round finish of Ryan Spann, silencing critics that claimed his hype train was derailed. While a loss can sometimes be so devastating that you never return to contendership, a win over Thiago Santos could see Walker back in the discussion.
Thiago Santos’ power can put a halt to any man that stands across from him in the Octagon, and that is exactly what he looked to do against his fellow countryman. Stylistically, this could be the fight Thiago needed to get back into the win column.
What played out in the UFC Vegas 38 main event wasn’t what most expected. Who would have thought that this fight would go into the fifth round? The respect these men had for each other’s power was evident with the fight winding up in the hands of the judges. The bout was extremely close and the judges sided with Thiago Santos as the victor.
PROS GIVE THEIR TAKE
Here is how the pros reacted to the UFC Vegas 38 light heavyweight main event between Thiago Santos and Johnny Walker.
Congratulations @TMarretaMMA for the win and the baby
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) October 3, 2021
I think Santos won #UFCVegas38
— Danny Chavez (@Dwarrior875) October 3, 2021
That was the slowest Brazilian dance I've ever seen, and I watch a lot of videos on Worldstar #UFCVegas38
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) October 3, 2021
No one wins this fight……
— Cody Durden (@Cody_Durden) October 3, 2021
they respect each other a lot #UFCVegas38 @ufc
— Juan Espino El Guapo (@juan_espino_ofi) October 3, 2021
Super close fight, the 2 had too much respect for their striking #UFCVegas38 @ufc @dc_mma
— Juan Espino El Guapo (@juan_espino_ofi) October 3, 2021
I think santos won what do you guys think ? #ufc
— Sean BRADY (@seanbradymma) October 3, 2021
Who’s winning not the spectator
— said yokub (@SaidYokubMMA) October 3, 2021
What a fight… 😩😴#UFCVegas38
— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) October 3, 2021
Wow that was 🗑
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) October 3, 2021
3-2 Santos? Why do you think?
— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) October 3, 2021
They should go on a date tonight.
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) October 3, 2021
