Match Analysis: Julius Walker vs Raffael Cerqueira – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-08-09
- Time: 8:00 PM UTC
- Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
Game Overview
The light heavyweight prelims fight features Julius Walker, a 26-year-old orthodox striker with solid wrestling skills and a record of 6-1, against veteran southpaw Raffael Cerqueira, 35, with an 11-2 record. Both weigh around 205 lbs, with Walker standing 6'4" and Cerqueira 6'3". Walker demonstrates a higher significant strike rate and better absorption defense, while Cerqueira possesses experience and a respectable strike deflection rate.
Key Factors to Consider
- Julius Walker maintains an aggressive and effective striking output at 5.73 significant strikes landed per minute with 50% accuracy, while defending well with a 40% significant strike defense rate. Cerqueira, with 3.28 significant strikes landed per minute and 43% accuracy, tends to absorb a higher rate of significant strikes (14.43 per minute) despite a slightly better strike deflection rate of 42%.
- There is no previous direct fight between Julius Walker and Raffael Cerqueira, making this matchup unpredictable and reliant on style analysis and current form.
- No current injury reports for either fighter have been identified leading up to this match.
- The match takes place at UFC Apex, a neutral venue known for hosting UFC events, with no external weather or location disadvantages impacting either fighter. Walker is younger and considered to be in prime physical condition, whereas Cerqueiraβs age may be a factor.
- Walker is seen as an up-and-coming prospect eager to solidify his status, showing more composure and depth in fights. Cerqueira, as a veteran, is motivated to leverage his experience to upset the younger fighter.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Julius Walker: -675, Raffael Cerqueira: 490 | Julius Walker | β β β β β 85% |
| Spread | Julius Walker -3.5: -525, Raffael Cerqueira +3.5: 330 | Julius Walker -3.5 | β β β β β 80% |
| Over/under | Over 1.5 rounds: 200, Under 1.5 rounds: -270 | Under 1.5 rounds | β β β β β 75% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Julius Walker -2% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 1.5 -11% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Julius Walker at -2% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 0% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Julius Walker is predicted to control the fight through superior wrestling and striking accuracy, with a high likelihood of a first-round technical knockout, unless Cerqueira can successfully counter early.
Predicted Score: Walker wins by first-round TKO