Valter Walker worried about his footwork: "I don't know how I can be a champion"

After winning his last five fights by first-round submission, Valter Walker has made a name for himself by attacking his opponents' legs. However, a problem with his own feet has left the Brazilian worried. Walker revealed that wearing undersized shoes as a child affected his toes and believes the issue has now impacted his footwork.

Valter Walker Says His Feet Affect His Footwork

Since making his promotional debut in April 2024, Walker has become one of the UFC's most dangerous submission specialists, earning the nickname "The Foot Hunter." The Brazilian has won four of his last five fights by heel hook and most recently submitted Thomas Petersen with a calf slicer in July.

However, Walker revealed that his own feet have been a source of concern. Speaking to Full Mount MMA, the 28-year-old explained that he often had to wear shoes that were too small as a child, which he believes has affected his footwork when fighting. Walker is now worried that the problem could affect his chances of becoming a champion someday.

"I really have a big problem with my footwork," Walker began. "My foot is not really good because when I was young, I didn't have money to buy new shoes. All the time my foot grew and the shoes were smaller than my feet. My toes are a little bit (curled). And because of this, I have a little bit of a footwork problem. And I don't really know how I can be a champion."

Walker has quickly climbed the heavyweight rankings since suffering the only loss of his professional career in his UFC debut. Now riding a five-fight winning streak, The Foot Hunter has established himself as one of the promotion's most prolific leg-lock specialists.

Despite his success on the ground, Walker believes his limitations in footwork could become an obstacle as he continues his pursuit of the UFC heavyweight title.