Walter Walker in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Even weeks after his last appearance in the world's most famous octagon, Walter Walker ended up receiving “good” news this Tuesday (5). The update of the UFC rankings brought the carioca as ranked in the heaviest division of the Ultimate for the first time since the athlete’s debut in the organization. The Brazilian occupies the 14th position in the category ranking, behind his compatriot Tallison Xicão and ahead of the Russian Rizvan Kuniev.
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However, the news may not be as appealing. With the change in status, the fighter is expected to share the octagon with other ranked athletes starting next round, something far from his short-term plans. Walker has stated on several occasions that he has no interest in facing the division's top names at this time.
"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 that 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 pissed. It would be against my will," the Brazilian said in an interview with 'MMA Fighting' after finishing. Kennedy Nzechukwu in his last fight, less than a month ago.
The rise of the Brazilian happens precisely after the dismissal of Martin Buday. Even after frustrating the debut of Marcus Buchecha in the Ultimate and won by unanimous decision, the Slovakian did not have his contract renewed with the organization, even though he was ranked at the time.
Walter Walker It's pure entertainment, but it's also a fight inside the octagon. He got kicked again!
With plenty of charisma and visible progress, the heavyweights have a new Brazilian to keep an eye on. #UFCNashville
— Igor Ribeiro (@igorribeiromma) July 12, 2025
Walter Walker is on a three-fight winning streak in the UFC.
At just 27 years old, the younger brother of Johnny Walker is going through a great phase in the Ultimate. Despite having been defeated in the debut against Lukasz Brzeski, the Brazilian put the setback behind him and defeated three opponents in a row, all by heel hook submission in the first round. The victory against Nzechukwu earned him the first Performance of the Night bonus of his career.
At the time, he was happy with the positive result and the prize of US$50 (R$275, at the current exchange rate), but still unsure about facing more experienced athletes.
"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 up. 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 silly mistake, and I'm glad I corrected it quickly," he concluded.
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