While most fans' attention is focused on the fight between Natália Silva and Wan Cong, Johnny Walker is also a name that deserves attention at UFC 332. After 16 fights in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), the Rio de Janeiro native decided to join his younger brother and move to the Ultimate's heavier weight class permanently. Needing to get back to winning ways after two consecutive losses, he explained the reasons behind his choice in an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS.
Johnny Walker experienced trauma in his last fight.
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Johnny Walker at the UFC Shanghai weigh-in . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC Brazil
According to the fighter, changing weight classes had been a long-standing desire. Standing almost two meters tall and possessing one of the longest wingspans in the entire roster, the transition to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) seemed like a natural progression. However, a terrible experience cutting weight for the fight with Dominick Reyes ended up accelerating the entire process.
“In my last fight, I fought in the worst physiological shape. I had an intestinal infection and I was shitting myself. The doctors gave me an IV afterwards. I fought a really tough guy and he didn't hit me. I left the octagon with my feet aching from kicking him so much. We'll just see if my chin can handle the heavy hitters, but I believe it will, because I'm not dehydrated,” he stated.
Wild things happen when @JohnnyWalker connects! 🕺
The Brazilian powerhouse faces Mick Parkin in the #UFC332 prelims! pic.twitter.com/6Y0J7NHIZm
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) October 1, 2026
Johnny Walker's opponent is a knockout artist.
Mick Parkin in victory against Lukasz Brzeski at UFC 304. Photo: Twitter/UFC News
According to the athlete, competing in a lower weight division for years limited his physical capabilities. With a look of joy and surprise, he celebrated arriving at the fight without any worries beyond the technical challenges presented by his opponent. With only one loss as a professional, Mick Parkin boasts six knockout victories.
“I was being hampered in the light heavyweight division. I was losing muscle mass and becoming very dehydrated. I decided to stop being hampered while I'm still young. I always said I would move to heavyweight, and now is the time. I've never been so well prepared. No suffering, no weight loss, and no calorie deficit. I'm feeling great and excited. Training at a high level. I've worked very hard, and now it's time to reap the rewards,” he concluded.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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