Valter Walker calls Josh Hokit 'small', dismisses Gable Steveson hype

Valter Walker does not see Josh Hokit or Gable Steveson as obstacles in the UFC heavyweight division.

The Brazilian grappler returns Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi against Thomas Petersen riding a four-fight heel hook streak, and told MMA Fighting he would gladly face either Hokit or Steveson next if he wins in the Emirates. Walker dismissed Hokit as undersized and questioned the hype around the unbeaten contender. He said he watched Steveson's octagon debut against Elisha Ellison and came away unimpressed despite the finish.

Walker questions Hokit's Curtis Blaydes win

Hokit holds a 4-0 UFC record with recent wins over Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis, but Walker doubts the legitimacy of the Blaydes result. "I still don't know how Curtis Blaydes lost to him like that," he said, per the report. Walker suggested fans do not understand fighting and are overhyping Hokit based on one convincing victory. He added that a potential matchup between the two would carry co-main or main event potential because of the trash talk that would follow, joking that security might be needed.

Walker also set his sights on Steveson, who trains under former two-division champion Jon Jones and improved to 4-0 as a pro with his UFC debut. Walker said he wants to exploit fighters with big egos and believes Steveson fits that profile. He likened the opportunity to past examples from his own camp where overconfidence led to upsets. "That's how you catch a big fish, man. You go after guys with big egos," he said.

Walker even floated the idea of spitting in Jones' face after a hypothetical win over Steveson, imagining himself climbing the cage and claiming GOAT status while security held Jones back. He said all the hype would shift his way if he pulled off the upset. Walker fights Petersen this Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Valter Walker not scared of ‘small’ Josh Hokit, unimpressed by Gable Steveson’s UFC debut: ‘I’ll take all of them’