Johnny Walker vs. Ryan Spann Slated for UFC 253 on September 19th.

Mandatory Credit: Esther Lin - MMA Fighting & AFP

A light heavyweight pairing of creative striker, Johnny Walker, and promotional perfect prospect, Ryan 'Superman' Spann has been added to UFC 253 on September 19th. - with a location and venue yet to be confirmed by the organization. A return to the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, or 'Fight Island' on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is the current frontrunner to host the card.

Looking to bring an end to a two-fight slide, Rio de Janeiro native, Walker dropped a unanimous judging loss to Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night Brasília in March, while Spann extended his undefeated run in the UFC to four fights, following a close split decision win over Sam Alvey at UFC 249 in May. ESPN reporter, Brett Okamoto was the first to report the news of the 205-pound meeting.

Walker, 28, looks to get back to winning ways, following his aforenoted loss to Krylov, and his stunning knockout defeat to longtime division challenger, Corey Anderson at UFC 244 last November. Like Spann, a product of Dana White's Tuesday Nights Contender Series, Walker made an initial impact in the promotion with victories over Khalil Rountree Jr., Justin Ledet, and a highlight-reel flying knee stoppage of Misha Cirkunov.

Making his second appearance on DWTNCS back in June of 2018 - 28-year-old Tennessee native, Spann also holds a career win over common opponent, Luis Henrique, as well as notable triumphs over recently retired Brazilian icon, Antônio Rogério Nogueira, Devin Clark, and the above-mentioned, Alvey. The Fortis MMA trainee is a former LFA light heavyweight titleholder and has managed to notch victories in his last eight professional outings.