Valter Walker Wins Karate Combat 59 Main Event by Submission

UFC heavyweight fighter secures first-round victory over para athlete Zion Clark in unique grappling matchup.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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At Karate Combat 59 in Miami, UFC heavyweight Valter Walker defeated para athlete Zion Clark by first-round submission in the main event. Walker, known for his grappling prowess, was able to take control of the back and apply a rear-naked choke to force Clark to tap. The bout featured a notable size and physical ability difference, with Clark born with a condition affecting his lower spine development.

Why it matters

The outcome reinforces Walker's status as a dominant grappler in the Karate Combat promotion, which features a mix of striking and grappling talent. The unique main event matchup between Walker and Clark also highlights the promotion's efforts to showcase diverse athletes and styles of combat.

The details

UFC heavyweight Valter Walker entered the main event on a four-fight submission win streak, while his opponent Zion Clark was a former collegiate wrestler born with caudal regression syndrome, a condition affecting his lower spine. Despite Clark briefly taking Walker's back early, Walker was able to capitalize and secure a rear-naked choke finish in the first round.

  • The Karate Combat 59 event took place on February 13, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

The players

Valter Walker

A UFC heavyweight fighter known for his grappling dominance, having won his last four fights via submission.

Zion Clark

A para athlete born with caudal regression syndrome, a condition affecting the development of his lower spine, resulting in him having no legs. He had limited MMA experience prior to this bout.

Elisandra Ferreira

A former Invicta competitor who defeated Monika Chochlikova by unanimous decision to claim the interim women's strawweight title at Karate Combat 59.

Uriah Hall

A former UFC fighter who improved his Karate Combat record to 2-0 with a first-round TKO victory over Jayden Eynaud.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a flyweight but who gives a s***. Big respect to Zion.”

— Valter Walker (Red Corner MMA (Twitter)

The takeaway

Karate Combat continues to showcase a diverse array of talent, from established UFC fighters like Valter Walker to para athletes like Zion Clark, highlighting the promotion's efforts to elevate different styles and backgrounds within the combat sports landscape.