Valter Walker may have finally ended his epic heel hook finish streak earlier today (Sat., July 25, 2026) at UFC Abu Dhabi LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but the Brazilian heavyweight still ended up earning one of the rarest submissions in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Walker, 28, came into Saturday’s “Prelims” headliner riding a four-fight win streak all by way of heel hook. It’s become of the craziest streaks in recent MMA memory and something Walker has fully embraced.
On Friday, he brought his infamous foot prop to UFC Abu Dhabi’s weigh ins, suggesting he was looking for another heel hook stoppage on Saturday.
Standing in Walker’s way was heavyweight veteran Thomas Petersen. It was going to be up to Petersen to protect his limbs and make Saturday’s bout a dog fight. Unfortunately for Petersen, he defended one submission only to get caught in another. After pulling out of a dangerous heel hook attempt by Walker along the cage Petersen was immediately left to defend a tight calf slicer. Walker grabbed a hold of Petersen’s back and that was all that was needed to increase the pressure and force the tap. It was incredible.
Check out the video highlights below:
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