Outside Source
Walker has emerged as one of the promotion’s most unique heavyweight prospects, compiling five consecutive first-round victories via leg-based submissions, including four heel hooks and a calf slicer. The streak has earned the Brazilian the nickname “The Heavyweight Toquinho” in Brazil, a fitting moniker given that Walker has openly acknowledged modeling his submission game after Palhares.
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Speaking to Sherdog, the former UFC middleweight said he’s impressed watching Walker enjoy success with the same submission that made him one of the sport’s most feared grapplers.
“It’s very rewarding to see him doing this without anyone judging him,” Palhares said. “I’m sure he’ll become champion because the opponents in the division don’t know how to defend it.”
Palhares established himself as one of MMA’s most feared submission specialists, but his UFC tenure was also marked by controversy. The Brazilian was released by the promotion in 2013 after refusing to immediately release a heel hook against Mike Pierce despite repeated taps, prompting the promotion to terminate his contract.
He later signed with the World Series of Fighting, though that stint also ended in controversy. Palhares retired in 2024 after spending the latter stages of his career competing primarily on regional shows in Russia, Poland and Italy. Sixteen of his 19 career wins came via submissions.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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