Tag: Johnny Walker

Johnny Walker eyes uFC 300 title fight with Alex Pereira ahead of return: ‘Whatever it takes, I’ll be ready’

Johnny Walker eyes UFC 300 title fight with Alex Pereira whatever it takes I'll be readyScheduled to make his return to the Octagon next weekend at UFC Vegas 84 – light heavyweight contender, Johnny…

Johnny Walker eyes UFC 300 title fight with Alex Pereira whatever it takes I'll be ready

Scheduled to make his return to the Octagon next weekend at UFC Vegas 84 – light heavyweight contender, Johnny Walker has spelled out his plan to fight compatriot, Alex Pereira for divisional gold at UFC 300 in April, by beating Magomed Ankalaev in the pair’s rematch fight.

Walker, the current number seventh ranked light heavyweight contender, has been sidelined from the Octagon since he appeared against former vacant title challenger, Ankalaev back in October at UFC 294, fighting to an eventual opening round ‘No Contest’ after the Russian landed an illegal knee, rendering Walker unable to continue.

The result snapped the Brazilian’s winning streak of three consecutive wins over Ion Cutebala, Paul Craig, and former title challenger, Anthony Smith.

Continually linked with a title fight of some form at UFC 300 in April, Pereira, who clinched vacant gold at UFC 295 last November, has put the brakes on a heavyweight title charge against interim gold holder, Tom Aspinall at the event, however, has vowed to likely make a move to the heavyweight ranks.

Johnny Walker eyes UFC 300 fight with Alex Pereira

And as far as Walker is concerned, should he fellow Brazil require a willing dance partner as soon as UFC 300 in April, he would gladly stand opposite Pereira, once he gets past Ankalaev first and foremost.

“100 percent,” Johnny Walker told The Schmo during a recent interview. “I have some business to deal with [with Magomed Ankalaev] because the last fight was not the way that I expected it to be. I feel him already, I feel everything, I know his power and I have some very big surprise for him. I’m excited for this fight. I can’t wait to put my hands on him and make him pay. It’s gonna be like a little revenge.”

“Maybe me,” Johnny Walker said of a fight with Alex Pereira at UFC 300. “I just have to beat Ankalaev first. Whatever it takes, I’ll be ready.” 

Who wins in a future title fight: Alex Pereira or Johnny Walker?

Johnny Walker – Magomed ankalaev fight ends in ‘No Contest’ after bizarre call from Doctor – UFC 294 Highlights

Johnny Walker vs. Magomed Anklaev ends in bizarre no contest after doctor stoppage illegal knee UFC 294 HighlightsTonight’s main card clash at light heavyweight between Johnny Walker and former title challenger, Magomed Ankalaev has ended in…

Johnny Walker vs. Magomed Anklaev ends in bizarre no contest after doctor stoppage illegal knee UFC 294 Highlights

Tonight’s main card clash at light heavyweight between Johnny Walker and former title challenger, Magomed Ankalaev has ended in the most bizarre of circumstances, with the bout judged an official ‘No Contest’, after the Octagon-side physician ruled Johnny Walker unable to continue after he received an unintentional illegal knee strike from Ankalaev in their UFC 294 showdown.

Returning to the Octagon for the first time since he fought to a controversial draw result in his vacant light heavyweight title fight with Jan Blachowicz back in December of last year, Russian contender, Ankalaev was almost caught with a jump-knee strike from a possum-playing Walker, resulting in a grappling scramble.

And forcing a stoppage in the action, Ankalaev landed an unintentional knee strike on a downed, Walker, with referee, Dan Movahedi stepping in and separating the duo.

Requiring time to gather himself following the heavy illegal blow, Walker was the subject to a concussion test by the Octagon-side physician, who quickly determined that the Brazilian was unable to continue to fight, after he apparently failed to answer questions regarding the location of their fight, or which round they were currently fighting in.

And as a result, Ankalaev’s return against Walker ends in an official first round ‘No Contest’ — despite the pair’s best efforts to try and fight despite the referee waving off the bout.

Below, catch the highlights from Johnny Walker’s fight with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294

Johnny Walker congratulates Anthony Smith on UFC Singapore win, insists ‘I didn’t attack your family’

Johnny WalkerLight heavyweight standout Johnny Walker congratulated Anthony Smith on his return to the win column at UFC Singapore, but once again made it clear that he in no way attacked his family. On Saturday, ‘Lionheart’ snapped a two-fight losing skid after scoring a closely contested split decision victory over Ryan Spann. It was Smith’s second […]

Johnny Walker

Light heavyweight standout Johnny Walker congratulated Anthony Smith on his return to the win column at UFC Singapore, but once again made it clear that he in no way attacked his family.

On Saturday, ‘Lionheart’ snapped a two-fight losing skid after scoring a closely contested split decision victory over Ryan Spann. It was Smith’s second victory over Spann, having earned a first-round submission against ‘Superman’ in 2021. The win will no doubt help erase the bad taste left in Smith’s mouth after delivering a lackluster performance against rising contender Johnny Walker earlier this year.

Walker had a dominant performance against Smith in May, but much of his victory was overshadowed by a very strange accusation that ‘Lionheart’ made during their UFC on ABC 4 scrap.

During the second round of the bout, Anthony Smith could be heard telling Walker, “You’re attacking my family.” A confused Walker said, “What?” before Smith repeated his statement.

Johnny Walker Recalls Awkward Exchange with Anthony Smith

Taking to social media following Smith’s win inside Singapore Indoor Stadium, Johnny Walker congratulated his former foe online and reassured Smith that he never attacked his family.

“Congratulations @lionheartasmith for the win, but I didn’t attack your family I promise you,” Walker wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

To this day, the motivation behind Smith’s statement is unclear, but many believe that it could have been ‘Lionheart’ using a terrifying moment from his life to help get him in a mindset to fight inside the Octagon.

Appearing on the Believe You Me podcast with Michael Bisping not long after the loss to Johnny Walker, Smith detailed an incident where he and his family were the victims of a home invasion. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and the intruder was taken into custody, but fight fans believe that ‘Lionheart’ could still be suffering PTSD from the incident with many pointing to the video clip below:

Johnny Walker still confused by Anthony Smith’s ‘You’re attacking my family’ accusation at UFC Charlotte

Johnny WalkerJohnny Walker is still trying to figure out why Anthony Smith accused him of attacking his family during their Fight Night co-main event more than a week ago. Johnny Walker moved up to the No. 6 spot on the rankings after scoring a decisive unanimous decision win over ‘Lionheart’ on May 13. While the fight […]

Johnny Walker

Johnny Walker is still trying to figure out why Anthony Smith accused him of attacking his family during their Fight Night co-main event more than a week ago.

Johnny Walker moved up to the No. 6 spot on the rankings after scoring a decisive unanimous decision win over ‘Lionheart’ on May 13. While the fight left a lot to be desired, one moment perplexed practically everyone, especially Walker himself. Near the halfway point of the stagnant affair, Smith began talking to his opponent and made a rather confusing accusation.

“I’m mad you attacked my family. You’re attacking my family,” Smith told Walker during the contest. The commentary team was just as confused. To their knowledge, and everyone else for that matter, Johnny Walker had not said or done anything to Anthony Smith’s family. In fact, Walker is still trying to figure out what prompted the out-of-left-field comment as seen in a recent video clip shared on the light heavyweight’s Instagram account.

Were Anthony Smith’s Taunts Toward Johnny Walker Fueled By His Own Traumatic Experience?

Some have speculated that Anthony Smith may have been using a traumatic experience from a few years back as motivation during the contest. In 2020, ‘Lionheart’ revealed that he was the victim of a home invasion. Speaking to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Smith detailed the terrifying incident, saying:

“Typically people don’t break into your house in the middle of the night for any good reasons,” Smith said. “I’m expecting that I’m gonna hear a gunshot or he’s gonna stab me. Like he’s got something. I figure I’ve got about two minutes before whatever he’s got takes me out.”

Smith engaged in a physical altercation with the assailant for more than five minutes before police officers arrived. Perhaps memories of the incident prompted Smith to speak the words while going toe-to-toe with Johnny Walker. Of course, that is pure speculation. The fact is, none of us will know the truth unless ‘Lionheart’ chooses to share it.

With his win over Anthony Smith, Johnny Walker extended his current win streak to three and will likely see a top-five opponent in the near future. Who would you like to see the Brazilian knockout artist square off with next?

Dana White slams Johnny Walker’s performance at UFC Charlotte: ‘He didn’t really wow anybody’

Dana White slams Johnny Walker UFC Charlotte he didn't wow anyoneUFC president Dana White seemed unimpressed with light-heavyweight contender, Johnny Walker. Last night, Walker earned himself a third win on the bounce, a feat he has not achieved since first entering the promotion. The Brazilian would win a decision over former title challenger, Anthony Smith, hurting and dropping the American in their 15-minute contest. However, […]

Dana White slams Johnny Walker UFC Charlotte he didn't wow anyone

UFC president Dana White seemed unimpressed with light-heavyweight contender, Johnny Walker.

Last night, Walker earned himself a third win on the bounce, a feat he has not achieved since first entering the promotion. The Brazilian would win a decision over former title challenger, Anthony Smith, hurting and dropping the American in their 15-minute contest.

However, while Walker would walk away with the win he was more composed and patient, producing a less memorable contest compared to some of his past work.

Dana White reacts to Johnny Walker’s win

Following last night’s event in Charlotte, North Carolina, White spoke to the media and when questioned on Walker Vs. Smith did not seem particularly impressed with the winning party.

“Walker didn’t really wow anybody tonight, but he won,” White said. “He was put on the co-main event to kind of shine tonight. He got a ‘W,’ so I guess that’s good.”

“Obviously he’s in there with a very durable, tough guy and a dangerous guy in Smith,” continued White. “But Smith got dropped, was hurt in the first round, and then his leg was gone, and Johnny never went for the finish. Never tried to finish the fight. Just tried to fight safe and get the win.” (H/T MMAFighting)

While White may not be a fan of the performance, Walker should now see himself in the top- five come Monday morning. Walker’s record has been a little spotty since his first promotional loss to Corey Anderson back in 2019, he has found a nice run of form and with the current state of affairs at light-heavyweight, one more big win could see him in a title fight.

Dana White’s post-fight press conference where he discuses Johnny Walker’s win last night over Anthony Smith

Do you agree with Dana White’s comments on Johnny Walker?

Anthony Smith expected to weigh up fighting future following loss to Johnny Walker at UFC Charlotte

Anthony Smith expected to weigh up fighting retirement after UFC Charlotte lossFormer light heavyweight championship challenger, Anthony Smith appeared to be on the verge of calling time on his professional mixed martial arts career following his one-sided unanimous decision loss to Johnny Walker in the co-main event of UFC Charlotte last night. And according to promotional boss, Dana White, the Nebraska native is expected to still […]

Anthony Smith expected to weigh up fighting retirement after UFC Charlotte loss

Former light heavyweight championship challenger, Anthony Smith appeared to be on the verge of calling time on his professional mixed martial arts career following his one-sided unanimous decision loss to Johnny Walker in the co-main event of UFC Charlotte last night. And according to promotional boss, Dana White, the Nebraska native is expected to still contemplate hanging up his gloves from active competition.

Suffering his second consecutive loss in the form of a rather one-sided unanimous decision loss to the #7 ranked light heavyweight contender, Walker, Smith had returned to the Octagon for the first time since suffered a debilitating ankle injury en route to a stoppage loss against recent vacant title challenger, Magomed Ankalaev last summer.

Dealing with a slew of hammering low kicks from Brazilian striker, Walker, Smith appeared on the verge of a stoppage loss in the final moments of the third round, almost finishing the fight near a seated position on the Octagon canvas.

And following the reading of his decision loss, Anthony Smith began to unwrap the tape on his gloves, before taking them off, with those watching and in attendance expecting an impending retirement from the top-5 challenger.

However, failing to secure a post-fight interview with former duel-weight champion, Daniel Cormier as the broadcast rolled onto the main event fight between Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Jailton Almeida, Smith’s future remained firmly up in the air.

Anthony Smith expected to weigh-up immediate fighting future

And according to the above-mentioned, White – who believed Anthony Smith was about to retire from active competition, the former championship challenger informed personnel backstage that he would be weighing up his future in the sport.

“Anthony (Smith) – I thought he was gonna retire too,” Dana White told assembled media following UFC Charlotte. “I think after the fight, he told some in the back that he wants to think about it [retirement]. But I don’t know. He always comes to fight – he got busted up, he got hurt, and, you know, he did was he does, he toughs it out. Looked like that fight was a couple leg kicks away from being over. And if Johnny Walker would have put the pressure on him, he probably would have got the finish.”