Johnny Walker (fighter)


Walker Johnny da Silva Barra de Souza, best known as Johnny Walker, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2013, he gained entrance into the UFC by competing on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series and also previously competed for Jungle Fight in his native Brazil. As of July 13, 2020, he is #12 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Walker made his professional MMA debut in December 2013. Over the next four years, he fought in his native Brazil and earned a record of 10 wins against 3 losses with all of his wins coming via stoppages.
Walker ended up receiving an offer from a Scottish businessman to train there and moved to that country. However, after a month he received no pay and left. In early 2018, Walker made the move to England where he fought for various promotions and added 3 more wins to his record and earned a spot on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series in August 2018. Although from Brazil, Walker chose to represent himself as from England as he felt that is where he was able to reach his potential.

Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series

Walker made his Tuesday Night Contender Series debut on August 11, 2018. He faced Henrique da Silva and won the fight via unanimous decision. The win earned Walker a spot on the UFC's roster.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his UFC promotional debut, Walker faced Khalil Rountree Jr. on November 17, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 140. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. The win earned Walker his first Performance of the Night bonus award.
In his next fight, Walker faced Justin Ledet on February 2, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 144. He won the fight via knockout just 15 second into the first round. The win earned Walker his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.
In a quick turnaround, Walker replaced an injured Ovince Saint Preux to face Misha Cirkunov on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. Post-fight, Walker stated he dislocated his shoulder during his celebration. The win also earned Walker his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.
Walker faced Corey Anderson on November 2, 2019 at UFC 244. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Walker faced Nikita Krylov on March 14, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 170. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Walker is scheduled to face Ryan Spann on September 19, 2020 at UFC 253.

Championships and accomplishments