Walker On UFC's Heavyweight Plans After Parkin Win
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Johnny Walker wanted to ease into heavyweight after his knockout debut against Mick Parkin last month. The UFC had other plans.
Walker agreed to headline UFC Vegas 124 on Saturday against Waldo Cortes-Acosta with just over a week to prepare, per Sherdog. The matchup came together after Sean Brady withdrew from the original main event due to a staph infection.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs Walker on Ticketmaster →
Walker's Original Heavyweight Strategy
The Brazilian had mapped out a slower climb after moving up from light heavyweight. "I was thinking to take small steps and go slow in the division," Walker told reporters at media day. "See how I feel at heavyweight. That was my plan. God had different plans than me."
Walker stopped Parkin in the first round in October to earn a performance bonus in his first appearance above 205 pounds. Cortes-Acosta dropped consecutive fights to Alexander Volkov and Curtis Blaydes after winning three straight.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs Walker on Ticketmaster →
A win over Cortes-Acosta would push Walker into the heavyweight top ten in just his second outing at the weight. Walker carries a 23-10 record with one no contest into the Vegas headliner.
Reported via:
- Sherdog — Johnny Walker wanted to take it slow at heavyweight, then UFC called
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