UFC 279's Ion Cutelaba expects 'chaotic and very explosive' show against Johnny Walker

Ion Cutelaba promises his fight with Johnny Walker will deliver at UFC 279.

LAS VEGAS – Ion Cutelaba promises his fight with Johnny Walker will deliver.

Light heavyweights Cutelaba (16-7-1 MMA, 5-6-1 UFC) and Walker (18-7 MMA, 4-4 UFC) square off on Saturday’s UFC 279 pay-per-view main card opener at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Walker marks the second straight taller and rangier opponent that Cutelaba will face, but “The Hulk” said he will be ready.

“I’m actually not worried at all that he’s taller than me. I actually got myself some high heels,” Cutelaba told reporters, including MMA Junkie, through an interpreter at Wednesday’s UFC 279 media day. “I have a lot of respect for Johnny Walker just as a human being, and I know he’s a very strong opponent. But he is in my way, and I will make sure on Saturday that he’s not there anymore.”

Both men boast a high knockout rate, so Cutelaba expects someone to go down.

“Just look at me and look at Johnny – we’re both very chaotic and very explosive, so it’s definitely going to be a show,” Cutelaba said. “So just hang on and Saturday is going to be crazy.

“I know that he’s a very strong fighter, but I am stronger, so I’m going to remove him.”

UFC 279 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNEWS and early prelims on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 279.