Johnny Walker has discussed his intentions to transition to the heavyweight division. Walker revealed he has trained and sparred with Francis Ngannou, working comfortably with him despite being on a diet and having approximately a 20-kilogram weight disadvantage. He believes he would perform much better at heavyweight because his current diet prevents him from training properly, causing dizziness and low energy due to insufficient carbohydrates. Walker expressed confidence that the move would benefit his performance and training quality.
Johnny Walker has publicly outlined his intentions to leave the light heavyweight division behind and compete at heavyweight, citing the physical toll of his current weight-cutting regimen as the driving force behind the move.
Walker, 34, holds a professional record of 22-10 and is currently ranked 11th in the UFC light heavyweight division. The Brazilian, who trains out of SBG Ireland, stands six-foot-six with an 82-inch reach — a frame that already pushes the upper limits of 205 pounds. He lands an impressive 4.06 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 55 percent, numbers that speak to his offensive output when he is fully fit and functional. Walker indicated that the strict diet required to make light heavyweight leaves him dizzy and low on energy during training, with insufficient carbohydrate intake preventing him from preparing properly.
To test the waters at the heavier weight class, Walker has been sparring with Francis Ngannou. The former heavyweight champion carries a 18-3 record and is ranked 12th pound-for-pound. At six-foot-four and with an 83-inch reach, Ngannou is a natural heavyweight, and Walker reported feeling comfortable working alongside him despite carrying roughly 20 kilograms less than Ngannou during those sessions. Walker expressed confidence that competing at heavyweight would unlock a better version of himself both in the gym and on fight night.
Why it matters
- Walker's size — 198 cm and a 208 cm reach — translates naturally to heavyweight, where cutting weight would no longer be a factor.
- A healthier, fully fueled Walker could push his already-high striking output even further.
- The heavyweight division would gain a long, athletic striker capable of disrupting its established rankings if the move is made official.
- His sparring relationship with Ngannou suggests he has access to elite-level preparation at the heavier weight class.
