Promotional mainstay Johnny Walker makes his heavyweight debut on Saturday night, facing prospect Mick Parkin at UFC 332: Silva vs. Wang in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Walker (22–10, 8–7 UFC [1 NC]) moves up after a turbulent run at 205 pounds, most recently dropping a split decision to Dominick Reyes at UFC 327 in April — his third loss in his last four fights. Parkin (10–1, 4–1 UFC) is looking to rebound from his first professional loss, a unanimous decision to Marcin Tybura in March 2025, and a significant injury layoff after a snapped bicep.
Walker enters as a -130 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Parkin is a +110 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.
Johnny Walker vs. Mick Parkin Fight Preview
Johnny Walker (#13 Light Heavyweight)
- 22–10 (8–7 UFC [1 NC])
- 17–6 (T)KO
- 3–1 SUB
Light heavyweight linchpin Johnny Walker is moving up in weight for the first time in his career, hoping the change can spark a momentum shift. The Brazilian fan favorite, 34, has battled for consistency through much of his Octagon tenure, dropping three of his last four fights heading into Salt Lake City.
Still, the Dana White’s Contender Series graduate remains a dangerous striker with a wildly unpredictable fight style. He’ll hold the size, speed, and athleticism advantages over Saturday’s opponent, Mick Parkin — along with superior experience and a much deeper weight class. But Walker isn’t known for his defense, and he’s gotten knocked out a whopping six times, often in ridiculous fashion. Can his eroding chin hold up at a heavier, more powerful division?
Mick Parkin
- 10–1 (4–1 UFC)
- 6–0 (T)KO
- 1–0 SUB
On Saturday night, Mick Parkin will finally get the chance to avenge his first professional loss. Shortly after losing by decision to Marcin Tybura in March 2025, the English prospect snapped his bicep during training and had to undergo reattachment surgery. He returns to the Octagon, looking to pick up where he left off and resume his rise up the heavyweight ladder.
Parkin, 30, arrived in the UFC with a 100 percent finish rate, stamped by a first-round submission victory on Dana White’s Contender Series. Although his stoppages have stalled, he reminded the division of his fight-ending power in his most recent win: a swift finish of Lukasz Brzeski in July 2024. The well-rounded contender may mix in his grappling against the longer striker, Johnny Walker, though he undoubtedly has a puncher’s chance on the feet.
Johnny Walker vs. Mick Parkin Pick, Best Bet
Johnny Walker will make his heavyweight debut with several distinct advantages over Mick Parkin, who’s coming off a serious injury layoff. Still, the Brazilian’s durability is completely shot at this point in his career, and it’s hard to bank on his chin holding up at a heavier weight class— especially against an opponent with proven fight-ending prowess. At plus odds, there’s solid value in backing Parkin to bounce back from his first pro loss at UFC 332, potentially in knockout fashion.
