As far as UFC debuts go, appearing on the main card of a live-crowd event is almost as good as it gets.
Such was the case with light heavyweight Julius Walker, who competed against Alonzo Menifield on ten days’ notice at UFC Seattle on February 22. Then-6-0, Walker took Menifield to the scorecards, where he lost a tight split decision.
25-year-old Walker has plenty in the tank after his performance, taking full camp, 15-fight Menifield the distance. As a sweetener, Walker-Menifield was announced as the Fight of the Night, and they were each awarded $50,000 bonuses.
‘Still in shock’ … Julius Walker ecstatic with UFC Seattle debut
Despite losing, Walker is over the moon with his UFC debut. ‘Juice Box’ took to X after his fight, remarking that he “didn’t quite get the job done but no excuses at all.” He gave Menifield credit where it was due and exclaimed that he felt “Blessed.”
Afterward, Walker posted another heartfelt message, announcing, “My life got changed tonight. Still in shock.”
UFC Seattle compliance pay would earn Walker an extra $4,000 on top of his $50,000 bonus, for a guaranteed $54,000 on top of his fight purse. While fighter salaries aren’t disclosed, new UFC signings typically make around $12-16K show and win.
As for his next steps, Walker should hope to secure a fight with someone who isn’t a fringe contender. Because he stepped in on short notice to save the card, the young prospect will likely get a favorable opponent in his next fight.
- READ MORE: UFC Seattle results
‘Keep an eye on that name’ … Michael Bisping praises Julius Walker
Commentator Michael Bisping reacted to the fight on his YouTube channel after UFC Seattle. The former middleweight champion sees plenty of potential with ‘Juice Box.’
“Julius Walker, keep an eye on that name because he’d only had six fights and he went out there against a veteran like Alonzo Menifield, certainly did himself proud, pushed him to a split decision on what? A couple of weeks’ notice?”
Bisp[ing has experience filling in on short notice. ‘The Count’ claimed UFC middleweight gold by knocking out then-champion Luke Rockhold on two weeks’ notice.