Corey Anderson has been putting in “Overtime” (sorry …) trying to book a big fight.
After swinging and apparently missing with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, it looks like he may have found a dance partner.
Anderson (12-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) switched targets and turned his attention to Brazilian wild man and self-injuring breakdance champion of the UFC Johnny Walker, who is looking to get back into the cage after healing up the shoulder injury he sustained while doing “The Worm” after his last win.
Anderson hopped onto Twitter on Monday night and threw out a challenge to Walker for UFC 244 in New York, in the process hinting that he may have been guided down the route of facing the Brazilian.
“Wanted to dethrone the ‘King’, they want me to derail a train,” he posted. “#JohnnyWalker thinks he’s ready for the big leagues, time to roll out the red carpet. You want the sauce?! Meet me in the land of opportunity, NYC, MSG, Nov 2nd.”
Anderson tagged manager Ali Abdelaziz, UFC president Dana White and light heavyweight matchmaker Mick Maynard, but not Walker (17-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC), and it took the mohawk-toting striker five hours to spot the American’s tweeted challenge. When he did, he was more than happy to accept.
“Let’s dance together, and have a little fun,” he replied. “LHW needs a new king.”
Anderson has rebounded from back-to-back losses to reel off three straight decision wins. Walker has won all three of his UFC bouts by knockout in a combined time of just 2:48. Overall, the Brazilian is riding a nine-fight winning streak and hopes taking that run into double figures will be enough to book him into a title fight with Jones in 2020.
Anderson’s callout will have come as no surprise to Walker, who told MMA Junkie on the UFC Hall of Fame red carpet earlier this month that he expected to face “Overtime” next. He also posted to his Instagram on Monday night telling fans to “Keep the eyes opened; there is a fight coming soon.”
It all certainly seems to add up. But all we ask, for safety’s sake, is that if (or when) Anderson and Walker dance at “The Garden” they keep it strictly ballroom, and stay well away from the breakdancing this time.
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