Johnny Walker believes he’s one or two wins away from a title shot, but can beat Jon Jones now
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Johnny Walker only needed four months to turn himself into a must-watch attraction in the UFC. And now, he’s aiming at the sport’s best.
The light heavyweight talent made quick work of everyone he’s faced so far inside the Octagon, demolishing Khalil Rountree, Justin Ledet and Misha Cirkunov in a combined time of 2:48.
Still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered while celebrating his win over Cirkunov in March, Walker believes he’s not far from a shot at the 205-pound belt.
“Man, I think that one or two more (wins is enough), but I’m ready to fight Jon Jones already,” Walker told reporters during UFC 237 on Saturday night. “All I need is to recover my shoulder and have a decent camp. But I’m ready. I have enough technique and experience for that. I don’t think he has anything to surprise me.
“I’m ready to beat Jon Jones. Now. Anyone they put (against me), I’ll accept it, but I’d rather fight someone from the top 5 next. But if it’s a top 10, that’s okay, I’m the No. 12 now. I’ll accept anyone that’s ahead of me, but I want to beat Jon Jones. But I have to go slowly, I don’t want to take anyone’s spot. Many people deserve it more than me, I still have a lot to show, and I will conquer my space.”
Jones is currently scheduled to face Thiago Santos in the main event of UFC 239 in Las Vegas, NV, on July 6, and Walker has mixed feelings about the contest.
Even though Walker would like to see a fellow Brazilian bring the UFC light heavyweight championship back to the country, he wants to be the one to dethrone a dominant titleholder like “Bones”.
“I know I’m following the right path,” Walker said. “I think I was born to be champion.”