Johnny Walker highlights Poatan's strengths and points out weaknesses to be exploited in a possible fight: 'I see an opportunity there'

Alex Poatán (left) and Johnny Walker are athletes in the UFC light heavyweight category. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage

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Alex Poatán is going through an incredible moment in his career. The Brazilian has four knockouts in four fights for the UFC light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg) and was recently crowned the best fighter of 2024. His compatriot Johnny Walker sees Poatan's experience in stand-up fighting as a differential for the champion's success, but believes that there is a weak point that can be exploited in a possible duel between the two.

In an interview with YouTube channel The Schmo, Walker highlighted Poatan's high level and acknowledged his long trajectory as one of the best strikers. Johnny pointed out the strengths that make Alex so feared, such as his accuracy, good timing and great reach, in addition to his vast experience in kickboxing. However, Walker notes that Poatan has not yet been tested on the ground and sees this area as a gap that can be exploited in a future fight.

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“He has a kickboxing background, right? He was a two-division champion in Glory. He’s a very good striker, he’s been doing it for so long. He’s on another level in his striking. He’s very accurate, he’s got good timing, and he’s a very big guy, and he’s got a lot of experience, which makes him very good. He’s been knocking people out for so long, he knows how the game works. But I’ve never seen him on the ground like I see Jiri. Jiri has taken people down, Jiri has taken him down and he didn’t like it. But if you want to keep the belt, you have to work on everything, keep all the parts of your game. I think he’s doing that with Glover, so he’s the best right now. But I see an opportunity there,” Walker said.

Member of the UFC since 2018, when he joined the organization via Dana White Contender Series Brazil, Johnny Walker quickly caught the attention of the MMA world for his captivating personality and unorthodox and exciting fighting style. The Rio native began his career in the UFC with three consecutive victories, and at the time there was speculation of a confrontation with Jon Jones.

However, since the UFC 244, the fighter began to fluctuate in his results. Since November 2019, he has four wins and six losses, in addition to one fight without a result. Johnny Walker will make his return to the octagon No. UFC 311, January 18, against Uzbek Bogdan Guskov, which occupies the 14th position in the light heavyweight ranking.