Walter Walker asks UFC to remove him from heavyweight rankings: 'I'm not ready yet'

Walter Walker celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

At 27 years old and riding a four-fight win streak, all by submission, Valter Walker is increasingly raising expectations within the organization and among his fans worldwide. Despite his explosive success since being signed, the fighter is urging caution regarding his next steps in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg).

Currently ranked 15th in the division, Walker requested to be removed from the top rankings because he doesn't want to be quickly promoted to the heavyweight elite. According to the fighter, his body and mind aren't yet ready to make that leap.

See too

Aspinall shares photo of his eye condition and doctor in charge of his care admits: 'nothing dangerous'

Daniel Cormier apologizes to Jailton Malhadinho after leaked video: 'I said what I shouldn't have'

'I already know who I want': Mackenzie Dern reveals plan for first UFC title defense

“I don’t even want to be ranked. Please, take me off the rankings. I’m ready to leave the rankings, I’m not ready to be champion. If the UFC wants the best version of Valter Walker, Valter Walker as champion, conquering three nations at the same time, it’s when I’m 30, 31 years old, because I’ll be mature, psychologically, and my muscles will be mature. For now, I’m not ready to face a ranked opponent,” Valter declared in an interview with the UFC after his victory in Abu Dhabi.

Walter Walker triumphed at UFC 321. Photo: Twitter / UFC News

PUBLICITY:

Finally, Johnny Walker's brother assured that he is willing to be an active employee in the UFC, although his plans do not include climbing the ranks into the top 15 next.

“I have plans. If our plans align, I’ll give the best version of myself as Valter Walker. If not, you guys play the music, UFC. Whatever music the UFC plays, I’ll dance to it. I never chose a fight, and I won’t choose one. They put me in Brazil, the fight fell through. They sent me here, I accepted at the last minute (…) play the music and I’ll dance to it,” he concluded.

During an interview in the octagon after a big win, Walker didn't hesitate to challenge Hamdy Abdelwahab, an Egyptian who also triumphed at the event and who is currently unranked. Asked about a fight request, Dana White said that on Tuesday (28) he will meet with officials to analyze a matchup between the athletes.