Johnny Walker will face Ante Delija in a heavyweight bout at UFC Belgrade on August 1. Jovan Leka (13-2), making his UFC debut at 24 years old after winning on the Contender Series, will meet Max Gymenis in another heavyweight matchup on the same card.
UFC Belgrade has a pair of heavyweight matchups locked in for August 1, with Johnny Walker and Ante Delija headlining the heavyweight action on that card.
Walker enters the bout carrying a 22-10 record and is currently ranked eleventh in the light heavyweight division, though this contest is scheduled at heavyweight. The 34-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of SBG Ireland, is a physically imposing presence at six-foot-six with an 82-inch reach. He lands 4.06 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him a consistent and dangerous volume striker.
Delija, nicknamed "Walking Trouble," brings a 24-6 record into the cage and is also 34 years old. The Croatian stands six-foot-five with a 79-inch reach and offers a contrasting style to Walker. He lands 1.2 significant strikes per minute but connects at an impressive 65 percent accuracy. His wrestling credentials stand out sharply, as he averages nearly four takedowns per 15 minutes, suggesting he will look to control where the fight takes place.
Also added to the UFC Belgrade card is a heavyweight bout between Jovan Leka and Max Gymenis. Leka, just 24 years old and carrying a 13-2 record, steps into the UFC for the first time after earning his contract on the Contender Series.
Why it matters
- Walker dropping to heavyweight — or competing there — against a decorated grappler in Delija is a significant stylistic test for the Brazilian knockout artist.
- Delija's elite takedown rate could neutralize Walker's striking range and reach advantage.
- Leka's UFC debut at only 24 gives the promotion an opportunity to evaluate one of its newer Contender Series signees against Gymenis on a high-profile European card.
