Johnny Walker (fighter)

Walker Johnny da Silva Barra de Souza[5] (born March 30, 1992), best known as Johnny Walker, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2013, Walker gained entrance into the UFC by competing on Dana White's Contender Series and also previously competed for Jungle Fight in his native Brazil. As of September 26, 2023, he is #7 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.[6]

Johnny Walker
Walker in 2022
BornWalker Johnny da Silva Barra de Souza
(1992-03-30) March 30, 1992
Belford Roxo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st)
DivisionHeavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Reach82 in (208 cm)[1]
Fighting out ofDublin, Ireland
TeamTristar Gym (2020)[2]
SBG Ireland (2020–present)[3]
RankBrown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[4]
Years active2013–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total29
Wins21
By knockout16
By submission3
By decision2
Losses7
By knockout4
By submission1
By decision2
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Walker made his professional MMA debut in December 2013. Over the next four years, he fought in his native Brazil and earned a record of 10 wins against 3 losses with all of his wins coming via stoppages.

Walker ended up receiving an offer from a Scottish businessman to train there and moved to that country. However, after a month he received no pay and left.[7] In early 2018, Walker made the move to England where he fought for various promotions and added 3 more wins to his record and earned a spot on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2018. Although from Brazil, Walker chose to represent England as he felt that is where he was able to reach his potential.

Dana White's Contender Series

Walker made his Dana White's Contender Series debut on August 11, 2018. He faced Henrique da Silva and won the fight via unanimous decision. The win earned Walker a spot on the UFC's roster.[8][9]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his UFC promotional debut, Walker faced Khalil Rountree Jr. on November 17, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 140. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.[10] The win earned Walker his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[11]

In his next fight, Walker faced Justin Ledet on February 2, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 144.[12] He won the fight via knockout just 15 second into the first round.[13] The win earned Walker his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.[14]

In a quick turnaround, Walker replaced an injured Ovince Saint Preux to face Misha Cirkunov on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235.[15] He won the fight via TKO in the first round. Post-fight, Walker stated he dislocated his shoulder during his celebration. The win also earned Walker his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.[16]

Walker faced Corey Anderson on November 2, 2019, at UFC 244.[17] He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[18]

Walker faced Nikita Krylov on March 14, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 170.[19] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[20]

Walker was initially scheduled to face Ryan Spann at UFC Fight Night 176 on September 5, 2020.[21] However, Walker tested positive for COVID-19 and the bout was postponed to September 19, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 178.[21][22] After being knocked down twice by Spann, Walker won the fight by knockout in the first round.[23]

Walker was scheduled to face Jimmy Crute on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260.[24] However, Walker pulled out of the fight in early February citing a chest injury.[25]

Walker faced Thiago Santos on October 2, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 193.[26] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[27]

As the first bout of his new six-fight contract, Walker faced Jamahal Hill on February 19, 2022, in the main event at UFC Fight Night 201.[28] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[29]

Walker faced Ion Cuțelaba on September 10, 2022, at UFC 279.[30] He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.[31] This win earned Walker his fourth Performance of the Night bonus award.[32]

Walker faced Paul Craig on January 21, 2023, at UFC 283.[33] He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[34]

Walker faced Anthony Smith on May 13, 2023, at UFC on ABC 4.[35] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[36]

Walker faced Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294 on October 21, 2023.[37] The fight ended in non-contest after an illegal knee by Ankalaev and doctor rendered Walker was unable to continue the fight.[38]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
29 matches 21 wins 7 losses
By knockout 16 4
By submission 3 1
By decision 2 2
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
NC 21–7 (1) Magomed Ankalaev No Contest (illegal knee) UFC 294 October 21, 2023 1 3:13 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Accidental illegal knee rendered Walker unable to continue.
Win 21–7 Anthony Smith Decision (unanimous) UFC on ABC: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida May 13, 2023 3 5:00 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Win 20–7 Paul Craig TKO (punches) UFC 283 January 21, 2023 1 2:16 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 19–7 Ion Cuțelaba Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 279 September 10, 2022 1 4:37 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 18–7 Jamahal Hill KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Hill February 19, 2022 1 2:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 18–6 Thiago Santos Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Walker October 2, 2021 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–5 Ryan Spann KO (elbows and punches) UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley September 19, 2020 1 2:43 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 17–5 Nikita Krylov Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira March 14, 2020 3 5:00 Brasília, Brazil
Loss 17–4 Corey Anderson TKO (punches) UFC 244 November 2, 2019 1 2:07 New York City, New York, United States
Win 17–3 Misha Cirkunov TKO (flying knee and punches) UFC 235 March 2, 2019 1 0:38 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 16–3 Justin Ledet TKO (spinning backfist and punches) UFC Fight Night: Assunção vs. Moraes 2 February 2, 2019 1 0:15 Fortaleza, Brazil Performance of the Night.
Win 15–3 Khalil Rountree Jr. KO (elbow) UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Ponzinibbio November 17, 2018 1 1:57 Buenos Aires, Argentina Performance of the Night.
Win 14–3 Henrique da Silva Decision (unanimous) Dana White's Contender Series Brazil 2 August 11, 2018 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 13–3 Cheick Kone TKO (punches) European Beatdown 3 March 17, 2018 1 3:04 Mons, Belgium Won the EBD Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 12–3 Jędrzej Maćkowiak KO (knee and punches) Krwawy Sport 1: Southampton March 11, 2018 2 2:42 Southampton, England Heavyweight bout.
Win 11–3 Stuart Austin KO (knee) Ultimate Challenge MMA 54 February 10, 2018 1 2:44 London, England Won the UCMMA Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 10–3 Rodrigo Jesus TKO (punches) Brave CF 8: The Rise of Champions August 12, 2017 1 2:18 Curitiba, Brazil
Win 9–3 Luis Guilherme de Andrade Submission (guillotine choke) Katana Fight: Gold Edition March 25, 2017 1 0:29 Colombo, Brazil Return to Light Heavyweight.
Loss 8–3 Henrique Silva Lopes KO (punches) Jungle Fight 88 June 25, 2016 1 0:18 Poços de Caldas, Brazil
Win 8–2 Fábio Vasconcelos TKO (punches) Imortal FC 4: Dynamite May 21, 2016 1 4:10 São José dos Pinhais, Brazil
Loss 7–2 Klidson Abreu Submission (rear-naked choke) Samurai FC 12: Hearts on Fire October 10, 2015 2 3:10 Curitiba, Brazil Heavyweight debut. For the vacant Samurai FC Heavyweight Championship.
Win 7–1 Murilo Grittz TKO (punches) PRVT: Garuva Top Fight August 16, 2015 1 0:56 Garuva, Brazil
Win 6–1 Marck Polimeno Submission (rear-naked choke) PRVT: Afonso Pena Top Fight 3 June 28, 2015 1 0:38 São José dos Pinhais, Brazil
Win 5–1 Ricardo Pandora TKO (punches) Imortal FC 1: The Invasion June 13, 2015 1 3:20 São José dos Pinhais, Brazil
Win 4–1 Andrew Flores Smith TKO (punches) Peru Fighting Championship 21 May 28, 2015 3 0:28 Lima, Peru
Loss 3–1 Wagner Prado TKO (punches) Circuito Team Nogueira MMA Beach 1 November 29, 2014 2 3:40 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 3–0 João Vitor Lopes da Silva TKO (punches) Gigante Fight MMA 2 October 11, 2014 1 N/A Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 2–0 Vitor Casanova TKO (punches) Ubá Fight 5 September 13, 2014 1 4:38 Ubá, Brazil
Win 1–0 Francisco Francisco TKO (knees and punches) Circuito Invictus de MMA 2 December 14, 2013 1 0:49 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[40]

See also

References
  1. "Johnny Walker UFC/MMA record: In depth stats, videos & predictions". mmaformguide.com. Archived from the original on 2019-07-10. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
  2. Ryan Harkness (January 12, 2020). "Johnny Walker headed to Tristar, blames loss to Corey Anderson on former coach". mmamania.com.
  3. Ryan Harkness (July 26, 2020). "Johnny Walker vs. Ryan Spann added to UFC 253". mmamania.com.
  4. Sebastian Rodriguez (December 5, 2018). "Johnny Walker on controversial PED Instagram post, growing up in Brazil". fansided.com.
  5. "Get to know light heavyweight Johnny Walker ahead of UFC Fortaleza". MMA Junkie. 2019-01-30. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
  6. "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
  7. "Johnny Walker not impressed by Khalil Rountree's KO of Gokhan Saki: 'It's easy to beat someone that can't fight MMA'". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  8. "Johnny Walker explains why he didn't wear Brazil kit in impressive UFC debut". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  9. John Morgan (2018-08-31). "Dana White's Contender Series Brazil 2 results: Three more contracts awarded". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-09-02.
  10. "UFC Argentina results: Johnny Walker rocks Khalil Rountree in first-round KO". MMAjunkie. 2018-11-18. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
  11. Staff (2018-11-18). "UFC Argentina bonuses: Two Argentine natives cash $50,000 checks". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
  12. Staff (2018-12-09). "Justin Ledet vs. Johnny Walker booked for UFC on ESPN+ 2 in Brazil". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
  13. "UFC Fortaleza results: Johnny Walker rocks Justin Ledet, earns 15-second win". MMAjunkie. 2019-02-03. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
  14. Staff (2019-02-03). "UFC on ESPN+ 2 bonuses: Marlon Moraes, Jose Aldo among $50,000 winners in Fortaleza". mmajunkie. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
  15. Guilherme Cruz (2019-02-12). "Johnny Walker replaces Ovince Saint Preux vs. Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2019-02-12.
  16. Staff (2019-03-03). "UFC 235 bonuses: Johnny Walker, Diego Sanchez among $50,000 winners". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-03-03.
  17. Mike Bohn (2019-08-05). "Corey Anderson vs. Johnny Walker on tap for UFC 244 in New York". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
  18. Doherty, Dan (2019-11-02). "UFC 244 Results: Corey Anderson Makes Huge Statement With First-Round KO". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-11-03.
  19. David Tees (2019-12-04). "Johnny Walker faces Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night Brasilia". fightful.com. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
  20. Anderson, Jay (2020-03-14). "UFC Brasilia Results: Nikita Krylov's Ground Game the Difference Against Johnny Walker". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
  21. Guilherme Cruz (September 16, 2020). "Johnny Walker had to postpone return to UFC Vegas 11 after COVID-19 positive test". mmafighting.com.
  22. Guilherme Cruz, Damon Martin and Mike Heck (2020-08-18). "Johnny Walker vs. Ryan Spann remains on Sept. 19 event despite UFC 253 moving one week later". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-08-18.
  23. McClory, Mike (2020-09-19). "UFC Vegas 11 Results: Johnny Walker Stops Ryan Spann in Wild Brawl". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
  24. Marcel Dorff (2021-01-02). "Johnny Walker treft Jimmy Crute tijdens UFC evenement op 27 maart". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved 2022-01-08.
  25. Farah Hannoun (2021-02-09). "Torn pectoral muscle forces Johnny Walker out of UFC 260 fight vs. Jimmy Crute". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  26. Guilherme Cruz (2021-06-15). "Thiago Santos vs. Johnny Walker pushed back a week, now headlines Oct. 2 UFC event". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
  27. Evanoff, Josh (2021-10-02). "UFC Vegas 38 Results: Thiago Santos Edges Out Johnny Walker". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
  28. Marcel Dorff (2022-01-03). "Johnny Walker vs. Jamahal Hill toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 19 februari in Las Vegas". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved 2022-01-08.
  29. Prawdzik, Chris (2022-02-19). "UFC Vegas 48: Jamahal Hill Drops Johnny Walker In Highlight Reel Finish". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
  30. Dinks Heck (2022-07-21). "Johnny Walker vs. Ion Cutelaba on tap for UFC 279". mma fighting.com. Retrieved 2022-07-21.
  31. Doherty, Dan (2022-09-10). "UFC 279: Johnny Walker Quickly Submits Ion Cutelaba in First Round". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-09-11.
  32. Dan Hiergesell (2022-09-11). "UFC 279 bonuses: Nate Diaz banks $50K with first finish since 2016". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2022-09-11.
  33. Harkness, Ryan (2022-10-09). "Johnny Walker vs. Paul Craig scrap set for UFC 283 in Brazil". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2022-10-10.
  34. Dylan Rush (2023-01-21). "UFC 283: Johnny Walker stops Paul Craig, breaks out the worm". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-01-22.
  35. Damon Martin (2023-02-10). "Anthony Smith vs. Johnny Walker headlines UFC event on May 13". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  36. Martin, Damon (2023-05-13). "UFC Charlotte results: Johnny Walker punishes Anthony Smith with leg kicks leading to unanimous decision win". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  37. Anderson, Jay (2023-08-01). "Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker Booked for UFC 294". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
  38. Dewar, Val (2023-10-21). "UFC 294: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker Ends in Controversial No-Contest". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  39. "MMAjunkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for February: A 15-second thriller". mmajunkie.com. February 27, 2019.
  40. Sherdog.com. "Johnny Walker". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-11-03.
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