Johnny Walker returns to action next month on one of the sport’s biggest stages at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Walker (17-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC) takes on Corey Anderson (12-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC), winner of Season 19 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” in a light heavyweight bout that should be a critical one for the division. Walker and Anderson each have three straight wins. But Walker’s have been truly impressive – each coming in the first round. And the past two have been in a combined 51 seconds against Justin Ledet and Misha Cirkunov.
Ahead of UFC 244, which takes place Nov. 2 with a main card on pay-per-view, catch up with Walker before arguably the biggest fight of his career and toughest test yet.
Talk about your career up to this point heading into your big fight at UFC 244.
My success is thanks to a lot of training. In Brazil, life is hard – without much assistance. Most fighters come from nothing. I have a lot of will power, as well as faith in God and in my dream. It’s necessary to want to achieve more, to dream big, and to put in the blood and sweat necessary. I’m very happy with the work I’ve been doing. It’s only been about five years since I started as a professional. I’m still learning a lot and evolving. I try to show a better game every time I fight. I’m very ready and motivated. I thank God, my friends, my coach, my family, and everyone who supports me in the pursuit of my dream. Hopefully, I can keep making my way up the rankings, and get my hands on the belt one day. I’d like to make that happen in a few months. And I’m looking to capture not just one belt, but to do so in two weight classes.
How do you see the fight against Corey Anderson going?
I visualize this bout as a battle where I’ll be the winner, of course. I’ll give my best, as always. I’ll try my hardest to bring everything I trained, and leave it all in the cage. I think I’ll be too much for him. He won’t be able to stand it. Whether he brings wrestling, boxing, or anything else, I’ll be ready for that. I’ll be ready for everything he can offer. I’m training hard. After this fight, bring on the next challenge, and then the next, until I have the belt around my waist. I’m not sure if Corey has enough efficiency to get a finish in the first or second round. I know I do. But if we go to the third, I have enough gas. I don’t mind winning by decision, but I don’t like leaving things up to the judges. I’ll do everything in my power to win by submission or knockout, so there’s zero chance of losing a decision.
The Private Internet Access commercial you shot, which currently has millions of views on YouTube – did you have to be talked into doing that?
I accepted right away. I could see that it was going to be cool and funny. I try to be a funny guy. I think I’m funny, so it was a good match. I loved it. I think my future will be in Hollywood, God willing. When I have a chance, I’d like to do other commercials or acting jobs. I love doing things like that. I think that will be my retirement. I don’t want to keep fighting indefinitely, taking hits to the head. I don’t take too many, thankfully, but I know it’s harmful. We don’t make enough money to pay with our lives. Hopefully I can retire from fighting and move on to making movies.
Do you enjoy knitting in real life?
No, I don’t actually enjoy knitting. Maybe I did a bit of it with my grandmother when I was a kid, but it was simply the idea for the commercial.
Is everything good after your shoulder surgery?
My plan has been working out. My manager is God. He shows me the path and I trust in him. I’m following his plan. If I made it this far, it wasn’t by accident. Something special is going to happen. I’m happy to take it one step at a time. I’m happy with the results. I was just a bit stressed and unhappy since I needed to have surgery. The surgery was 100 percent successful, but it stopped me for a while. Otherwise, I could have fought once or twice more. It’s another part of God’s plan. I accepted it. I’m coming back strong, at 100 percent. I’m very happy with what’s been happening.
What’s the update on your training?
I trained for a couple of weeks in Dublin, at SBG, which is Conor McGregor’s academy, under coach John Kavanagh. I wanted to see how their training is, if they have good wrestling, and heavier guys. I liked it. I learned a few things. Next, I’m heading to Russia since my brother (Valter Ignacio) also dislocated his shoulder, and is going to have surgery. I’ll also train there, too, (at ATT Russia), to see if it’s harder. I’ll choose the hardest academy – train hard, fight easy.
Plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to continue having training camps in different places, so I can continue to learn and evolve. Ultimately, I’d like to put down roots in some country, and maybe buy a house. I have two dogs now, so I’m bringing them with me. I don’t know if I’ll stay in Thailand. I’m also considering moving to Europe or to the U.S.. I’ll figure it out after my next fight. I’d like to continue experiencing different gyms, countries, and martial arts. I need to keep myself out of my comfort zone. I chose this life as a fighter, so I’m investing 100 percent on my body, on my career, and on my learning.
