Amid his continued losing skid, perennial light heavyweight contender, Johnny Walker appears to have switched his training allegiance from Straight Blast Gym in Dublin – making the controversial move to San Jose, California under the tutelage of former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Walker, who still holds the number nine rank in the official light heavyweight rankings, most recently featured on the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi earlier this summer, suffering a brutal knockout loss to former title challenger, Volkan Oezdemir.
And earlier this year to boot, Rio de Janeiro native, Walker dropped a January loss to another ex-title challenger, Magomed Ankalaev in the pair’s rematch, courtesy of a second round knockout defeat.
Boasting a 21-9(1), Walker has also suffered other notable knockout defeats to former champion, Jamahal Hill, as well as Corey Anderson during his lengthy tenure in the UFC.
Johnny Walker takes talents to AKA with Khabib Nurmagomedov
However, amid his losing skid – Walker who has notably trained under the banner of SBG Ireland in Dublin alongside head coach, John Kavanagh, appears to have moved his base to California with the American Kickboxing Academy setup – notably under the tutelage of the above-mentioned, Nurmagomedov – who is tasked with turning the Brazilian’s run on it’s axis.
“If coach Khabib can save Johnny Walker he’s a miracle worker,” A user posted on their X account.
“When did Johnny Walker start training with Khabib?” A user questioned.
A once highly-touted light heavyweight contender, Walker had turned in notable wins over the likes of Khalil Rountree, Ryan Spann, Paul Craig, and former title challenger, Anthony Smith.
However, his apparent move to AKA to train with Nurmagomedov is likely going to ruffle some feathers given the Russian’s distinct history with Straight Blast Gym staple, Conor McGregor – who himself has trained with Walker at the Dublin facility in the past.