Valter Walker slams Hokit and Gable Stevenson and calls for a UFC fight: 'I'm going after them'

Walter Walker celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Valter Walker was not impressed with the rise of Josh Hokit and Gable Stevenson in the UFC. Fueled by their strong 'trash talk' and the success they achieved before joining the organization , the outspoken American and Jon Jones ' protégé have attracted considerable attention and established themselves as some of the most talked-about names in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). Even so, the 'foot hunter' believes the duo doesn't live up to all the hype.

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Walker downplayed the level shown by Hokit and Steveson and stated that he doesn't see his rivals as a difficult challenge inside the octagon. According to the Brazilian, the pair are far from living up to the image the public has built for them.

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“I don’t think (Hokit) is a tough fight for me. Honestly, I don’t think he’s the fighter people are saying he is. Come on, he’s small. I’m not intimidated by that guy at all. Gable Stevenson , Josh Hokit … People say, ‘He’s a monster, an Olympic wrestling champion.’ Man, I watched Gable’s debut and I wasn’t that impressed. I didn’t understand all the hype,” said Valter Walker.

Confident, the Brazilian made it clear that he fears neither of his two potential opponents and offered himself up to face them consecutively. Besides Hokit and Steveson, he also mentioned Vitor Petrino as an option, reinforcing that he intends to face any challenge should he win his next fight.

“I’m not afraid of Josh Hokit or Gable Stevenson at all . If that’s the next fight, bring it on. It could be Gable Stevenson , Josh Hokit , Vitor Petrino . I’ll face them all. If I win this Saturday, put me against any of those guys next. I’ll go after them without thinking twice,” concluded the ‘foot hunter’.

Valter Walker seeks fifth time at UFC Abu Dhabi

Before considering a confrontation against Josh Hokit or Gable Stevenson , Valter Walker has an immediate challenge ahead. The Brazilian is scheduled to face Thomas Petersen at UFC Abu Dhabi , scheduled for next Saturday (25).

Riding a four-fight win streak with a heel hook, the "foot hunter" is looking for his fifth victory using the same finishing technique.

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