Junior Tafa vs Valter Walker prediction: Valter Walker to create an upset

On Sunday in the octagon, the heavyweight division will present a bout between Junior Tafa and Valter Walker. It is set as the preliminary card fight 7 of 12 265 lbs (120.2 kg) weight class. Junior Tafa has lost two of his last five matches, while Van Walker has only lost once in his. All action will take place at RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia, and can be watched live on ESPN+.

Tafa has been on a bumpy ride recently, having recorded two losses in his last four matches. His loss against Marcos Rogerio de Lima in the second round was via leg kicks to ground and pound. He boasts of a professional career record of five wins and two losses. All his match victories have been via knockouts.

The 26-year-old fighter lost to Lukasz Brzeski in his last fight in a 15-minute bout via unanimous decision. Prior to this, Valter Walter was on an eleven consecutive bout win. He has recorded six knockout wins and a submission throughout his career. Walker is an Orthodox fighter with 81.1" reach.

This bout will be a close contest as both fighters are young and trying to set off on the pathway to being contenders in this division. Walter in his last fight recorded his first professional loss and will be the underdog going into this fight. Yes, the bookies are not to his favor, but undeniably he has a good wealth of experience compared to his opponent Tafa. Aside from being younger, I believe he will bounce back in this battle. The question remains: will Junior Tafa be able to maintain the distance or upgrade his striking ability?