Valter Walker predicts first-round knockout for Sergei Pavlovich against Alex Pereira

Valter Walker does not believe Alex Pereira will be able to handle Sergei Pavlovich's power at heavyweight. The former UFC two-division champion is expected to face the Russian fighter at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas. With more than two months until the fight, Walker predicted that Pavlovich will knock out "Poatan" in the first round when they meet inside the Octagon.

Walker is familiar with Pavlovich's abilities, as the two train together at GOR MMA in Russia. The Brazilian believes the Russian's size and aggressive style will create major problems for Pereira, particularly because of Poatan's defensive habits.

Valter Walker Predicts Sergei Pavlovich Knockout

Following the UFC's announcement of Pereira's fight during the broadcast of UFC 332 on Saturday, "The Foot Hunter" shared his prediction in a video on his YouTube channel, arguing that Poatan's low guard could make him vulnerable against a heavyweight with Pavlovich's power.

"I don't think Poatan is going to knock Sergei out," Walker said. "The Russian is going to put the strawberry inside Poatan, unfortunately. Seriously, I think Sergei Pavlovich is going to knock Poatan out in the first round."

The Brazilian then pointed to Pereira's tendency to keep his hands low and move his head while striking. Walker sees that as a dangerous style against Pavlovich, who has built a reputation as one of the most powerful punchers in the heavyweight division.

"That low guard from Poatan, moving his head like this, that's tough at heavyweight," Walker said. "There's no way. When he does that, the Russian is going to come with a 'boom'. He comes like an albino gorilla and only stops throwing punches when he lands one and drops you."

Valter Walker Sees a Size Advantage for Sergei Pavlovich

Walker has also emphasized the physical difference between the two fighters. Although Pereira is one of the most accomplished strikers in MMA, Walker believes the move to heavyweight will expose him to a level of power and physicality he has not faced before.

"There's an absurd difference in their bodies. It's not a good fight for Poatan," Walker said.

Pereira and Pavlovich are scheduled to meet in the co-main event of UFC 335. The matchup will mark Pereira's second UFC fight at heavyweight after his loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Pavlovich, meanwhile, is coming off a knockout victory over Tallison Teixeira at UFC Macau in May.