Johnny Walker (fighter)
Walker Johnny da Silva Barra de Souza[5] (born March 30, 1992), best known as Johnny Walker, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2013, he gained entrance into the UFC by competing on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series and also previously competed for Jungle Fight in his native Brazil. As of August 10, 2020, he is #11 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.[6]
Johnny Walker | |
---|---|
Born | Belford Roxo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | March 30, 1992
Nationality | Brazilian |
Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st) |
Division | Heavyweight Light Heavyweight |
Reach | 82 in (208 cm)[1] |
Fighting out of | Dublin, Ireland |
Team | Tristar Gym (2020)[2] SBG Ireland (2020–present)[3] |
Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[4] |
Years active | 2013–present |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 22 |
Wins | 17 |
By knockout | 14 |
By submission | 2 |
By decision | 1 |
Losses | 5 |
By knockout | 3 |
By submission | 1 |
By decision | 1 |
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 Tuesday Night Contender Series in August 2018. Although from Brazil, Walker chose to represent himself as from England as he felt that is where he was able to reach his potential.
Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series
Walker made his Tuesday Night Contender Series debut on August 11, 2018. He faced Henrique da Silva and won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–26). 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 TKO 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 is scheduled to face Ryan Spann on September 19, 2020 at UFC 253.[21]
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr., Justin Ledet, and Misha Cirkunov[22][23][24]
- MMAJunkie.com
- 2019 February Knockout of the Month vs. Justin Ledet[25]
Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown | ||
22 matches | 17 wins | 5 losses |
By knockout | 14 | 3 |
By submission | 2 | 1 |
By decision | 1 | 1 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 0:36 | 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 | N/A | 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 Combat Federation 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 | 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) | Team Nogueira Beach | 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 |
References
- "Johnny Walker UFC/MMA record: In depth stats, videos & predictions". mmaformguide.com.
- Ryan Harkness (January 12, 2020). "Johnny Walker headed to Tristar, blames loss to Corey Anderson on former coach". mmamania.com.
- Ryan Harkness (July 26, 2020). "Johnny Walker vs. Ryan Spann added to UFC 253". mmamania.com.
- Sebastian Rodriguez (December 5, 2018). "Johnny Walker on controversial PED Instagram post, growing up in Brazil". fansided.com.
- "Get to know light heavyweight Johnny Walker ahead of UFC Fortaleza". MMA Junkie. 2019-01-30. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
- "Rankings | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2020-08-10.
- "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.
- "Johnny Walker explains why he didn't wear Brazil kit in impressive UFC debut". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- John Morgan (2018-08-31). "Dana White's Contender Series Brazil 2 results: Three more contracts awarded". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-09-02.
- "UFC Argentina results: Johnny Walker rocks Khalil Rountree in first-round KO". MMAjunkie. 2018-11-18. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
- Staff (2018-11-18). "UFC Argentina bonuses: Two Argentine natives cash $50,000 checks". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
- Staff (2018-12-09). "Justin Ledet vs. Johnny Walker booked for UFC on ESPN+ 2 in Brazil". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
- "UFC Fortaleza results: Johnny Walker rocks Justin Ledet, earns 15-second win". MMAjunkie. 2019-02-03. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
- Staff (2019-02-03). "UFC on ESPN+ 2 bonuses: Marlon Moraes, Jose Aldo among $50,000 winners in Fortaleza". mmajunkie. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
- Guilherme Cruz (2019-02-12). "Johnny Walker replaces Ovince Saint Preux vs. Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2019-02-12.
- Staff (2019-03-03). "UFC 235 bonuses: Johnny Walker, Diego Sanchez among $50,000 winners". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-03-03.
- Mike Bohn (2019-08-05). "Corey Anderson vs. Johnny Walker on tap for UFC 244 in New York". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
- Doherty, Dan (2019-11-02). "UFC 244 Results: Corey Anderson Makes Huge Statement With First-Round KO". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-11-03.
- David Tees (2019-12-04). "Johnny Walker faces Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night Brasilia". fightful.com. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
- Anderson, Jay (2020-03-14). "UFC Brasilia Results: Nikita Krylov's Ground Game the Difference Against Johnny Walker". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
- DNA, MMA (2020-07-26). "Light-Heavyweightclash tussen Johnny Walker en Ryan Spann tijdens UFC 253". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
- Staff (2018-11-18). "UFC Argentina bonuses: Two Argentine natives cash $50,000 checks". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
- Staff (2019-02-03). "UFC on ESPN+ 2 bonuses: Marlon Moraes, Jose Aldo among $50,000 winners in Fortaleza". mmajunkie. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
- Staff (2019-03-03). "UFC 235 bonuses: Johnny Walker, Diego Sanchez among $50,000 winners". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-03-03.
- "MMAjunkie's 'Knockout of the Month' for February: A 15-second thriller". mmajunkie.com. February 27, 2019.
- Sherdog.com. "Johnny Walker". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-11-03.