Khamzat Shimaev won Robert whittaker No. UFC 308. Photo: Instagram / UFC
Johnny Walker began his fight against Mingyang Zhang in a way, at least, unusual. The Brazilian, who won the duel against the Chinese in the main fight of the UFC Shanghai, held last Saturday (23), ignored the touch of his rival's gloves and, in the first seconds of action, tried a takedown. The attitude recalled the strategy of Khamzat Shimaev, but the result was not as similar to that of the middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg).
Although he surprised Zhang, Walker mistimed his attack and mistimed his execution. The Chinese fighter managed to defend himself, landing on top, and landing a few elbows in the ground and pound.
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after the UFC Shanghai, many fans compared the initial strategy of Johnny Walker with Chimaev's in the UFC 271, when the Chechen overthrew Kevin holland in the first seconds of the fight and won by submission in the first round. The difference is that, while the champion was successful, Walker was unable to complete his takedown.
Despite the initial difficulty, Johnny managed to get back to his feet and knocked out Zhang in the second round, after landing strong leg kicks.
Johnny Walker imitates Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Shanghai
Even without concluding the fall, the similarity between the action of Johnny Walker and the of Khamzat Shimaev may not have been a mere coincidence. The Brazilian posted a video on Instagram in which, alongside his brother Walter Walker, shaves his mustache in a clear allusion to the style adopted by athletes from the Caucasus.
Watch Johnny Walker and Khamzat Chimaev's takedown attempt
You absolute fucking meme Johnny Walker pic.twitter.com/lyrcNsUB57
—Josie Aldo (@JosieAldoMMA) August 23, 2025
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Khamzat Shimaev vs Kevin holland
Chimaev Does A Lot Of Stuff To HollandI just showed the entire wrestling exchange because this was just amazing pic.twitter.com/XRMZtcWh45
—ChimaevGOAT | PantojaGOAT (@Pantoja_GOAT) January 4, 2024
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