Walter Walker explains why he wouldn't want to enter the UFC rankings after his third straight win

Walter Walker in victory in UFC Nashville (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

Reach the third straight first-round submission victory in a shallower division like the UFC heavyweight (120,2 kg) may mean for many the opportunity for a big leap to face ranked athletes and get closer to the top of the category, but not for Walter Walker. At least, not yet.

In a very candid interview with 'MMA Fighting' after the victory over Kennedy Nzechukwu No. UFC Nashville, last Saturday (120,2 kg), Walker, 27 years old, was very happy with the result, but not so much with the performance.

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"I'm very happy because I won and got the bonus and a new contract, but I'm not happy with my performance. I thought I would be calmer. The moment I threw the jab and he grabbed my glove, it surprised me. I thought he would back away. I started running and chasing him, and that was a serious mistake. If he were more experienced, someone in the top 10, he would have knocked me out, without a doubt. It was a mistake that I want to get back to the gym and train. I have a lot of wrestling experience, and I don't know what happened. I don't know if it was lack of experience or immaturity because the arena was packed and very noisy. It was a silly mistake, and I'm glad I corrected it quickly."

With an eye on a quick return to action, Walter Walker pointed out the UFC Paris, in September, or the yet-to-be-confirmed event in Brazil, in October, as goals. The target this time is the undefeated Portuguese Mario Pinto, another athlete outside the category ranking.

"I know the guys in the top 10 are on another level. Like I said before, I don't want to be there right now. I've been saying it over and over again. I don't want to be ranked right now. I'm not ready. If I can hold on for a year and a half, two years, great, then I can get ranked. If I get ranked now, I'll be upset. It would be against my will," he said.

Walter Walker's wish comes true and he remains outside the top 15 of the heavyweights

The fans of Walter Walker to remain out of the heavyweight rankings, at least for now, has paid off. In an update released in the early hours of Tuesday (15), the Brazilian's name remains out of the top 15 of the category, which had as its only change the Bahian Tallison Xicão losing one position, falling to 14th and switching places with Martin Buday.