In the high-stakes world of MMA, fighters are always looking for an edge. Sometimes, that edge comes from an unexpected direction. Enter Johnny Walker, the lanky light heavyweight with a flair for the dramatic. He made a significant announcement to the MMA community after his latest fight.
The Brazilian fighter has always been known for his unorthodox style and explosive power. His highlight-reel knockouts made him a fan favorite early in his UFC career. However, recent setbacks have forced him to reassess his path in the octagon. Walker recently announced his move to the heavyweight division. This news comes after a series of brutal knockout losses in the light heavyweight class.
Johnny Walker’s decision to move up in weight class remains bold. Heavyweights hit harder, and the division is stacked with experienced fighters. Nevertheless, Walker hopes fighting at his natural weight may help him with his recently unlucky fortunes. Going up in weight class has worked out for some fighters.
These include Michel Pereira, who moved from welterweight to middleweight, and Charles Oliviera, who gained his Hall of Fame-worthy career after moving to lightweight from featherweight. Sean Strickland also found success after moving to middleweight after an average stint in the welterweight division.
Johnny Walker announces his move to heavyweight 🔥
He calls for a Top 15 opponent in his debut later this year 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ihf3doMxOz
— Wanderlei 🥼🩺 (@DoctorWanderlei) July 1, 2024
Walker is currently on a two fight loss with another NC. Volkan Oezdemir recently knocked him out at the UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia. Before that, Walker faced Magomed Ankalaev in a rematch after the first fight was assigned a No Contest. He got TKO’d in the second round after a right hand sat him down. This move to heavyweight may be a good thing for Walker.
MMA Guru takes credit for Johnny Walker’s move to heavyweight
In the wild world of MMA, advice can come from unexpected places. Just ask Johnny Walker, the Brazilian fighter known for his flashy knockouts and equally dramatic losses. Recently, Walker made waves by announcing his move to the heavyweight division. What’s surprising isn’t just the move but its apparent inspiration. This came as a DM from a YouTuber known as The MMA Guru.
The MMA Guru and Johnny Walker (via YouTube/ The Mac Life)The MMA Guru, a self-proclaimed expert with a penchant for bold predictions, had advised Walker to make the jump. To everyone’s surprise, Walker read the message and acted on it. Now, Guru is basking in the glow of his apparent influence. He even hinted at a mysterious “3-step plan” to resurrect Walker’s career.
Shout out my boy Johnny Walker for replying to my career advice DM on Sunday! We got a 3 step plan of success and this is just the first. Now we work offensive grappling @JohnnyWalker and these fat boys at HW are gonna get mauled. Just take your time brother, December soonest.
The MMA Guru via X
Heavyweights (outside of Derrick in moments) are the least likely division to pull off uppercuts or reactionary timed knees on real athletes shooting a takedown on them from the open
Just some thoughts, but y’know I’m sure Kavanaugh knows what he’s doing… and I’m just a fan…
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) June 24, 2024
Shout out my boy Johnny Walker for replying to my career advice DM on Sunday! We got a 3 step plan of success and this is just the first.
No we work offensive grappling @JohnnyWalker and these fat boys at HW are gonna get mauled. Just take your time brother, December soonest. https://t.co/Yi2f9XC6wL
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) July 2, 2024
The Guru’s advice wasn’t just about changing weight classes. He suggested Walker focus on offensive grappling to counter the heavyweight division’s power punchers. As such, working on offensive wrestling seems beneficial in a division not known for grappling. Walker, for his part, seems game for this unconventional approach. He’s already calling out top-15 heavyweights for his debut.
