Johnny Walker and Ryan Spann brought the fireworks to Vegas. The two top 15-ranked light heavyweight fighters met at UFC Vegas 11 and put on a thrilling back-and-forth show that ended with Walker getting a TKO win over Spann in the first round.
There was no shortage of exciting exchanges, despite the early finish to the fight. Spann actually scored a quick takedown to start the fight, but Walker quickly got up and the two got locked up against the fence. The two jockeyed for position before ultimately breaking free from the clinch and returning to striking distance. The two exchanged punches in a Rocky moment, each catching the other simultaneously.
Both fighters appeared a bit wobbled but it was Spann who tried to pounce on Walker who made a nice recovery and began raining down hammerfists and elbows. Spann's corner could be heard shouting that they were blows to the back of the head, but referee Dan Miragliotta appeared to have a better view of the action and seemed to have no problem with them. After a number of vicious elbows, Miragliotta finally called a stop to the fight at 2:43 of the opening round.
With the win, the No. 11-ranked Walker improves returned to the win column and improved his record to 18-5. “I fixed everything, my mistakes, 100 percent,” Walker said of his performance during his post-fight interview. “I’m ready. Now you’re going to see better and better.”