Valter Walker reveals why he'd fight Derrick Lewis over Josh Hokit, reveals timeline for potential UFC clash

Valter Walker has issued a call-out to perennial UFC heavyweight contender Derrick "The Black Beast" Lewis, who holds the record for most knockout wins in the UFC heavyweight division at 16. 

The grappling extraordinaire also outlined that his next octagon appearance, which he'd like to be against Lewis, could materialize in October or November. 

Valter Walker is open to fighting Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit, but he'd prefer clashing against the UFC KO King instead of Hokit

Brazil's Valter Walker currently holds the No. 8 spot in the heavyweight division on the official Meta UFC rankings, whereas America's Josh Hokit is a couple of spots above him at No. 6.

The two young heavyweight stars have engaged in a heated rivalry for the past several months, but their long-awaited grudge match has yet to come to fruition. 

During a recent conversation with Mike Bohn for MMA Junkie, Walker was questioned about his recent allusions of wanting to negotiate a new UFC contract for more lucrative pay and fights against big-name opposition. 

Upon being asked whether any conversations between his management and the UFC have taken place since his latest fight, Walker replied with a call-out of Derrick Lewis. 

Walker stated, "No. Not yet, bro. But if you ask me who I want next, I want Derrick Lewis. I want Derrick Lewis, or I want Josh Hokit, you know. And I'm ready to fight again October or November. I have in mind these two guys -- Derrick Lewis or Josh Hokit. This is who I want next." 

When asked which of the two aforementioned opponents he's likelier to fight next, Walker suggested that he's a "soldier" of the UFC and accepts any matchup they offer him. 

Bohn chimed in and seemed to inquire whether Walker would prefer Hokit, who's ranked higher and recently defeated Lewis. The submission maestro responded by claiming that he'd rather face Lewis than Hokit. 

The 28-year-old said, "No. If I could pick, I pick Derrick Lewis. I think for me he's an interesting fight. He have a big name; more big name than Josh Hokit." 

Valter Walker highlights his preference to fight in the Middle East over the United States of America

The conversation entailed an intriguing point, as they alluded that a possible matchup between Valter Walker and Derrick Lewis could be a throwback to the early days of MMA and the UFC.

It's because Walker would enter as a submission specialist, albeit while also being no slouch in the striking department, against a striking-centric fighter in Lewis -- making it a classic grappler vs. striker showdown. 

Additionally, Walker implied that he'd ideally like to have his fights in the Middle East, as it's closer to Moscow than the U.S.

The Brazil-born Russia-based combatant indicated that most of his team comprises Russian fighters and personnel, who are sometimes unable to secure an American visa, which results in his having to travel without most of them for fights that transpire on American soil. 

As such, Walker signaled that he's eyeing the October card in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., and the expected November card in Doha, Qatar.

The UFC has officially announced that the UFC 333 event would be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 24. Rumors are rife that the UFC heavyweight championship unification matchup between reigning heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and interim titlist Ciryl Gane could headline UFC 333. 

Walker, for his part, affirmed that traveling without most of his entourage for fights in America is psychologically draining, in addition to the long flights and journey taking its toll physically. 

Considering the variables at play, Walker appeared to suggest a fight against Lewis in the U.A.E. or Qatar in October/November of this year. 

Presently, Walker is on a five-fight win streak, securing each of those wins via first-round submission. He last fought at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, finishing Thomas Petersen with a calf-slicer submission. 

Speaking of his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess, Walker referenced the recent discussions of his opening an MMA gym in Moscow. While he'd announced he's opening a new gym in Moscow, he's now clarified that it'll be a BJJ gym and not an MMA gym.

The towering heavyweight pointed out that he's still training at Gor MMA and will be opening his own BJJ gym on the second floor of the same building that houses Gor MMA. 

Watch Valter Walker call out Derrick Lewis for a fight in late 2026 below (*comments at the 6:18-minute mark of the video):