Light heavyweight Johnny Walker has announced his intention to move to the heavyweight division. Walker revealed he has sparred with Francis Ngannou and felt comfortable despite being on a diet and having about a 20kg weight disadvantage. The fighter explained he would feel much better at heavyweight because dieting prevents him from training properly. Walker cited issues with dizziness and low energy due to lack of carbohydrates during his weight cuts. He believes the move to heavyweight would allow him to train and perform at his best without the constraints of weight management.
Johnny Walker has publicly declared his intention to leave the light heavyweight division and compete at heavyweight, citing the physical toll of weight cutting as the driving force behind the move.
Walker, 34, holds a professional record of 22-10 and is currently ranked 11th in the UFC's light heavyweight division. The Brazilian fighter, who trains out of SBG Ireland, stands six-foot-six and carries a reach of 82 inches, making him an imposing figure even among bigger competition. He has shown consistent offensive output throughout his career, landing 4.06 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent striking accuracy rate.
To illustrate his comfort at the heavier weight, Walker pointed to sparring sessions with Francis Ngannou. He noted that despite being roughly 20 kilograms lighter and actively cutting weight at the time, he felt at ease during those exchanges. Ngannou, 38, stands six-foot-four with an 83-inch reach and carries an 18-3 professional record, making him one of the most physically formidable sparring partners available.
Walker described the weight-cutting process as actively undermining his preparation. He explained that restricting carbohydrates leaves him dizzy and low on energy, preventing him from training at the level he believes he is capable of reaching. In his view, moving to heavyweight would remove those constraints entirely and allow him to show his full ability in both training and competition.
Why it matters
- Walker is a top-15 light heavyweight, so his departure would create movement in an already competitive 205-pound ranking picture.
- At 198 cm and with a natural frame that demands significant cutting, Walker's physical profile is arguably better suited to heavyweight.
- A style matchup at heavyweight pits his volume striking and submission activity against opponents who rely more on power than pace, a potential stylistic advantage for Walker.
