Johnny Walker discussed his plans to transition to the heavyweight division. He revealed that he trained and sparred with Francis Ngannou, and despite being on a diet with approximately 20 kg weight difference, he felt comfortable working with the former champion. Walker explained that he would feel much better at heavyweight because dieting negatively affects his training, causing dizziness and low energy due to lack of carbohydrates. The Brazilian believes the move would allow him to train more effectively without the constraints of weight cutting.
Johnny Walker has revealed he intends to make the jump from light heavyweight to heavyweight, citing the physical toll of weight cutting as the primary motivation behind the potential move.
The 34-year-old Brazilian, currently ranked 11th in the UFC light heavyweight division, made the announcement after disclosing that he had been training and sparring alongside former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Walker noted that even with a roughly 20-kilogram weight difference between them — a gap he attributed to his ongoing diet — he felt comfortable and capable working alongside Ngannou in the gym. He explained that weight cutting leaves him dizzy and low on energy due to carbohydrate restriction, and that competing at a heavier class would allow him to train at full capacity without those limitations.
Walker carries a 22-10-0 professional record and has long looked the part of a natural heavyweight. Standing six-foot-six with an 82-inch reach, he has the frame to be competitive at 265 pounds. His striking volume is notable for his size, averaging 4.06 significant strikes landed per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate while fighting at light heavyweight.
Ngannou, who holds an 18-3-0 record and currently sits 12th in the pound-for-pound rankings, stands six-foot-four with an 83-inch reach. The Cameroonian remains one of the most feared punchers in combat sports history, making his role as a sparring partner a meaningful benchmark for Walker's readiness to compete among heavyweights.
Why it matters
- Walker's elite size and striking output could translate well to the heavyweight division
- A move would remove him from a crowded and competitive light heavyweight top 15
- His comfort level sparring with a former heavyweight champion suggests the physical transition may be more natural than typical divisional moves
