Johnny Walker criticizes heavyweight division ahead of divisional debut
The Brazilian believes the division lacks technical quality outside the top five but plans to take his climb toward title contention one step at a time.
Johnny Walker doesn't seem too concerned with the heavyweight division. On Saturday, the Brazilian is expected to make his first UFC fight at heavyweight when he faces Mick Parkin at UFC 332 after years competing at light heavyweight. Walker believes the heavyweight division lacks technical quality outside the top five but does not intend to rush his climb toward title contention.
Johnny Walker Criticizes Heavyweight Division
Since his UFC debut in November 2018, Walker has competed primarily at light heavyweight. During this period, the Brazilian made 16 appearances in that weight class, facing top contenders such as Khalil Rountree Jr., Anthony Smith and Magomed Ankalaev. However, Walker has struggled recently, going 1-3 in his last four fights.
Now, the Brazilian is about to make his first UFC fight at heavyweight looking to bounce back from his recent struggles. Although he is yet to make his debut in the UFC's heavyweight division, Walker already has his assessment of the weight class, pointing to a lack of technical quality outside the top five.
"I think the division is pretty shallow because there aren't many big guys who are that technical or athletic," Walker told Ag Fight. "Most of them just have heavy hands and don't move very well. The really dangerous guys are in the top five. Outside of that, there's a lack of technical quality. My idea is to take it slowly, step by step, without rushing. If I do what I need to do and deserve it, the path to the title will happen naturally."
Johnny Walker reveals training changes
Walker also believes he is better prepared for his heavyweight debut after making several changes to his training camp. The Brazilian moved to Porrada Training Center and changed his striking coach, while also getting the opportunity to train alongside top UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov.
"I changed gyms," Walker said. "I went to Porrada Training Center to train with Ronny Markes and Marcelo (Nunes), and I also changed my striking coach to train with one of the best in the world, Ray Sefo. I had the best training camp, trained with the best guys, and I'm in a place now that is a fighter's dream. I have the best in grappling, MMA and striking, I live five minutes from the UFC and train with the No. 2-ranked fighter, Volkov. There isn't another place in the world I'd rather be training and developing my career right now. I'm in the best place, at the best moment of my career."
Walker will look to put his new training approach into practice when he faces Parkin at UFC 332 on Saturday in Salt Lake City.
