Yakhyaev needed just eight seconds to finish Julius Walker by knockout at UFC Baku, marking one of the fastest stoppages on the card.
Rustam Yakhyaev delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the evening at UFC Baku, stopping Julius Walker by knockout in a stunning eight seconds to open their light heavyweight contest on June 27, 2026.
Walker, known as "Juice Box," entered the fight with a 7-3-0 record representing Team Fusion out of the United States. The 26-year-old is a physical specimen at six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, and his statistics reflect a well-rounded game — he averages 3.73 significant strikes landed per minute at 53 percent accuracy, while also posing a takedown threat at 4.09 takedowns per 15 minutes. None of that could be put to use on this night.
Why it matters
- Eight seconds is among the fastest finishes in recent UFC history, instantly raising Yakhyaev's profile in the division.
- Walker's record drops to 7-4-0, representing a setback that will require a response to stay relevant in the light heavyweight rankings picture.
- The result underscores how dangerous the early moments of any fight can be, regardless of a fighter's physical advantages or well-rounded skill set.
Walker's size and reach — advantages that typically serve him well — were rendered irrelevant before he had a chance to establish his range or attempt a single takedown. For Yakhyaev, the finish could not have been scripted more efficiently, and it signals his intent to make an immediate statement on the UFC roster.
