J. Walker's manager (left) suggests a fight against G. Teixeira (right). Photo: Montagem SL / MMA Press
There is no doubt that, in just three fights for the UFC, Johnny Walker It is already a name that attracts attention in the organization. To move up to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg.), however, the athlete's manager, Lucas Lutkos, suggested that a fight against Glover Teixeira would be of great importance to the pupil. In a recent interview with 'ESPN', Lutkos spoke about the possibilities of opponents for Walker in his next commitment. Johnny hasn't fought since March of this year.
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“A top 10 fighter is what we have been talking about with the UFC. Walker is number 10 now (according to his manager), with the retirement of (Alexander) Gustafsson) and (Jimi) Manuwa, so that makes sense,” Lucas said.
Without avoiding questions, Lutkos also indicated some names against whom his client could fight in his next commitment, among them, Glover Teixeira, Brazilian idol and MMA veteran.
“Honestly, Johnny goes up against any name they throw at him. Whether it’s an experienced fighter, like Glover (Teixeira), or someone just starting out, like (Dominick) Reyes or (Aleksander) Rakic,” said Lutkos.
A challenge to Glover, however, could be a problem for Brazilians, as Teixeira is an idol in the country and has already fought tough duels inside the octagon, sending MMA enthusiasts into a frenzy. However, Walker, despite having only performed three times in Ultimate, managed to win and convince both the fans and the company's management.
Johnny is currently recovering from shoulder surgery. The injury was the result of a bad fall when he went to celebrate his victory over Misha Cirkunov, in his last fight, in March of this year. His manager, however, confirmed that the athlete is now cleared to return to training. The idea is for the athlete to perform again from September.
At 27 years old, Walker has plenty of experience in MMA. He has already had 20 fights, with 17 wins and three losses. Currently in 12th position in the ranking, the fighter from Rio de Janeiro does not hide his desire to face, as soon as possible, the current champion of the category, Jon Jones.
Teixeira, at 39 years old, is coming off a great victory over Ion cutelaba, in April, after an unexpected turn for many. In total, the Minas Gerais native from Sobrália has already had 34 clashes, with 27 triumphs and seven setbacks, one of them in a dispute for the category belt against Jon JonesIn 2014.
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