Walter Walker Calls Out Derrick Lewis, Names Four Other Desired Opponents

Heavyweight Walter Walker has gone on the offensive, publicly naming five fighters he wants to face next — with Derrick Lewis sitting firmly at the top of his list. Walker directed taunting messages at Lewis, asking about his whereabouts and even his clothing size, making no secret of his desire to share the Octagon with "The Black Beast."

Lewis, 41, carries a 29-14 record and currently sits at number 12 in the heavyweight rankings. The six-foot-three Texan has a 79-inch reach and lands 2.46 significant strikes per minute with 49 percent accuracy, built almost entirely on knockout power rather than grappling — he has recorded zero submission attempts per 15 minutes across his UFC career.

Also on Walker's list is Curtis "Razor" Blaydes, the number-seven-ranked heavyweight at 19-6. The six-foot-four Elevation Fight Team product owns one of the most dominant wrestling games in the division, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 50 percent striking accuracy and a reach of 80 inches. At 35, Blaydes remains firmly in title contention.

Rounding out Walker's targets are Ante Delija, Sergei Spivak, and Vitor Petrino. Petrino, 28, represents one of the division's rising names out of Brazil. The six-foot-two orthodox fighter carries a 14-2 record, a 77-inch reach, and averages 2.6 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 3.24 significant strikes landed per minute.

Why it matters

• Lewis is a ranked heavyweight name whose knockout reputation makes any callout generate immediate attention
• Blaydes at number seven would represent a significant step up and a direct path toward title contention for Walker
• The five-man list signals Walker is eager for activity and willing to take on varied stylistic challenges across the top half of the division