Even calmer, Johnny Walker expects a busy fight this Saturday: 'Punches everywhere'

J. Walker (left) and R. Spann (right) face each other before the UFC Las Vegas 11. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

One of the biggest Brazilian bets on Ultimate is back. This Saturday (19), Johnny Walker will step into the octagon for one of the most anticipated fights in the UFC Las Vegas 11, when he faces the dangerous Ryan Span. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the light heavyweight (up to 93kg.) showed maturity when dealing with the future in the organization and remains focused on recovering from two negative results in a row.

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In Ultimate since 2018, Johnny has surprised fans with convincing and exciting performances, making a big impression. With great knockouts, the Brazilian caught the attention of the public and the organization and placed himself in a prominent position in one of the most competitive groups in the company. The reality now is a little different, as the athlete is coming off defeats, but everything could change this weekend.

Preparation in Ireland

The coronavirus pandemic situation directly affected people's routines around the world and it was no different for MMA athletes. While he did his final training in Canada, Walker now trained in Ireland, guided by the respected John Kavanagh. The Brazilian then spoke about how the period was learning from the coach.

“The coaches in Canada are also very professional. So, it wasn't very different. I felt more at home here in Ireland. They were all 100% focused on me, everything I needed, they came along with it,” she said.

Evolution after defeat

After knocking out his first three Ultimate opponents in the first round, Walker suffered defeat in the organization in the encounter against Corey anderson, in November last year. In March this year, the fighter from Belford Roxo (RJ) was beaten again, this time by Nikita Krylov. The last setback, however, ended up serving as a starting point for Johnny to mature as an athlete and evolve for the future.

“I felt like I could fight a really tough guy. I had never taken a fight to a decision, and I took a tough guy to a decision. He didn't hit me much, he just controlled me on the ground. My muscles were very fatigued, I think I trained too much. My cardio was good, but my muscles weren't working. Even though I wasn't 100%, I managed to fight three rounds. This helped me a lot and gave me the certainty that I have a gift for fighting and reaching,” he explained.

Relationship with fans

After a series of three encouraging victories, it didn't take long for Walker to fall into the fans' favor. The athlete, however, lives a two-way street when it comes to spectators. After recent defeats, the Brazilian ended up being the target of criticism from some sports enthusiasts. Johnny, however, stated that he learned how to deal with certain situations.

“At first it was a bit strange and I was a bit 'confused'. The same people who applaud will boo and I have to live with that. It's part of the game and I take it very calmly. I even did some tests. Sometimes the guys would talk really bad shit and I would go and send a message to the guy: 'Hey, partner, why are you so aggressive like that?'. And the guy who hated me said: 'Wow, man, I'm your fan!' (laughter). This happened several times. It's just fans who are disappointed by a defeat. That's how it works. They are human beings, they have emotions. He's rooting for you. I’ve gotten used to it,” he said.

Expectations for the fight against Spann

Needing to win to return to the fight for a title shot, Walker, this Saturday, will have the tough task of beating Ryan spann and, thus, take away the athlete's invincibility in the organization. Without hesitation, the Brazilian spoke about his expectations for the duel.

“Brother, it’s going to be a beating. Wrestling, kickboxing, muay thai, punching for everything. I will try to maintain my strategy. We've already seen what he usually does when he takes a beating, when he falls. Everything is already planned and I will fight until the end, do my best”, said the Brazilian.

More fights in 2020

Current number 11 among light heavyweights, Johnny doesn't want to rest after this weekend's commitment. Depending on the athlete, he will still be seen again until the end of this year.

“I already want to fight again in December. Starting the year with another victory to see if it puts me in a more favorable position in the rankings. Then, next year, if everything goes well, I'll get a 'title-shot' (fight that precedes a title fight)”, he said.

Forecast for Saturday's clash

Knowing that he will be fighting against an opponent who doesn't know what it's like to lose in Ultimate, Walker understands that it's complicated to risk a result in UFC Las Vegas 11. The Brazilian, however, showed his feet on the ground and assured that his only focus is to emerge with a triumph.

“I’m not going to leave it up to the judges. I will fight as hard as I can, with blood in my eyes. I just want to have my arm raised at the end, regardless of how it goes,” she concluded.

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