Johnny Walker has revealed his intentions to transition from light heavyweight to the heavyweight division. Walker explained that he has trained and sparred with Francis Ngannou, and even while on a diet with approximately 20kg less weight, he was able to work comfortably with the former heavyweight champion. He stated that he would feel much better competing at heavyweight because his current weight-cutting regimen leaves him unable to train properly. Walker described experiencing dizziness and low energy due to insufficient carbohydrate intake while dieting for light heavyweight. The move would allow him to train and compete without the physical toll of cutting weight.
Johnny Walker has publicly revealed his intention to leave the light heavyweight division and make the move up to heavyweight, citing the physical strain of his current weight-cutting routine as the primary motivation.
Walker, 34, currently sits ranked eleventh in the light heavyweight division with a professional record of 22-10. The Brazilian fighter, who trains out of SBG Ireland, stands six-foot-six with an 82-inch reach — a frame that arguably suits the heavier weight class. He lands 4.06 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 55 percent, making him one of the more active offensive fighters in the 205-pound ranks. Walker stated that his dieting for light heavyweight leaves him dizzy and low on energy due to insufficient carbohydrate intake, rendering proper training sessions nearly impossible.
To support his case for the move, Walker pointed to sparring sessions with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Walker said that even while carrying roughly 20 kilograms less than his natural walking weight, he was able to work comfortably alongside Ngannou. The Cameroonian, now 38, holds an 18-3 professional record and remains ranked among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
Why it matters
- Walker's size — six-foot-six and 208 cm of reach — gives him natural physical tools to compete at heavyweight.
- Moving up would eliminate a demanding weight cut that Walker says is compromising his training quality and daily performance.
- A ranked light heavyweight transitioning to heavyweight adds depth and intrigue to a division that has seen significant flux since Ngannou's departure from the UFC.
- Walker's striking output and accuracy could translate into an immediate threat at the heavier weight class if his frame fills out competitively.
