UFC on ESPN 72: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, taking place August 9, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features a light heavyweight clash between rising prospect Julius “Juice Box” Walker and seasoned Brazilian finisher Raffael “The Lion” Cerqueira. Both fighters are looking to rebound from losses earlier this year, with Walker aiming to cement himself as a future contender and Cerqueira seeking to halt a two-fight skid.

Julius Walker
Julius Walker (6–1) is a tall and athletic light heavyweight out of Team Fusion who blends Brazilian jiu-jitsu with sharp kickboxing. At 6’4”, Walker uses his long frame to deliver punishing straight shots and knees at range, while his ground game includes an opportunistic submission arsenal.

He started his professional career with six straight wins, finishing every opponent before dropping a close split decision to UFC veteran Alonzo Menifield in February. That fight showed Walker’s composure under pressure but also exposed areas where he needs to improve volume and cage control. Notably, all his victories have come inside the distance, with four knockouts and two submissions, underscoring his finishing instincts.

Julius Walker – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Alonzo Menifield – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, February 22, 2025
2. Win vs. Myron Dennis – TKO (Punches) – PFC 41, December 7, 2024
3. Win vs. Bevon Lewis – TKO (Punches) – Synergy FC 16, November 16, 2024
4. Win vs. Nyle Bartling – Submission (Triangle Armbar) – Synergy FC 13, June 1, 2024
5. Win vs. Mike Cook – TKO (Submission to Strikes) – Synergy FC 12, March 23, 2024

Walker’s path to victory likely involves maintaining range with his jab and kicks, then capitalizing on takedown openings if Cerqueira overcommits to power shots.

Raffael Cerqueira
Raffael Cerqueira (11–2) is a 35-year-old veteran with a reputation for aggressive, fight-ending offense. Fighting out of CTJ Judo & Jiu-Jitsu / Galpao da Luta, he boasts a 73 percent knockout rate, with many of his wins coming in the opening round. Cerqueira blends heavy low kicks, body attacks, and short-range boxing combinations with occasional submission threats, making him a dangerous opponent in any exchange.

However, his last two UFC appearances ended in first-round knockout losses to Modestas Bukauskas and Ibo Aslan, raising questions about his durability at this stage of his career. Prior to that, he ran through regional competition in Brazil, racking up a string of highlight finishes.

Raffael Cerqueira – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Modestas Bukauskas – KO (Punches) – UFC FN, February 22, 2025
2. Loss vs. Ibo Aslan – TKO (Punches) – UFC 308, October 26, 2024
3. Win vs. Rodrigo Araujo Silva – TKO (Punch) – DF 19, April 28, 2024
4. Win vs. Ivonilson Dias Santos – KO (Elbow) – DF 18, January 27, 2024
5. Win vs. Jhonathan Souza – KO (Body Kick) – VFE / Brave CF 78, December 7, 2023

Cerqueira’s best chance is to force Walker into wild exchanges early, where his raw power can turn the tide before the younger fighter settles into rhythm.

This fight pits Walker’s youth, reach, and balanced attack against Cerqueira’s knockout power and veteran experience. Walker has a clear edge in cardio, composure, and submission skills, while Cerqueira brings a higher early-round finishing threat. If Walker can survive the first five minutes without taking clean, heavy shots, he should be able to wear Cerqueira down with range striking and opportunistic grappling.

Prediction
Walker’s measured approach and ability to mix levels should help him avoid the kind of early firefight that benefits Cerqueira. Expect him to stay long, pick his shots, and exploit openings on the mat once Cerqueira’s pace slows.

Prediction: Julius Walker def. Raffael Cerqueira via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2

This win would mark Walker’s first UFC finish and set him up for a step-up in competition, while Cerqueira may have to reassess his approach after three straight losses.