TLDR
- Johnny Walker knocked out Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 124 on Saturday night
- He’s offering to fight for the heavyweight title at UFC 334 on just seven days notice
- Walker’s brother Valter predicts Johnny will win UFC heavyweight gold in 2027
- Walker admitted he took many punches in his last fight but claims no serious injuries
- He plans to return in February or March if he doesn’t get the UFC 334 call
Sources: sherdog.com | sports.yahoo.com | bloodyelbow.com
Johnny Walker is offering to do something almost unheard of in mixed martial arts. Just one day after knocking out Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 124, the Brazilian heavyweight says he’s ready to fight for the UFC title next weekend.
Walker defeated Cortes-Acosta in the third round on Saturday night at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The fight was a tough one, with Walker weathering heavy shots in the early rounds before securing the knockout finish.
🇧🇷🇷🇺 UFC heavyweight and king of the heel hook, Valter Walker, has officially launched his own BJJ gym in Moscow, Russia, WALKER BJJ Fitness 🦶 pic.twitter.com/CZo9HkiP4E
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 3, 2026
Walker Volunteers as Backup Fighter
Ciryl Gane is scheduled to defend his heavyweight championship against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. Walker told MMA Fighting he’s available if either fighter needs to be replaced.
“If they need someone to step in, I’m here,” Walker said after his victory. “If it’s for the title, I’ll do something crazy and fight anyway.”
The 34-year-old acknowledged he took damage in his fight with Cortes-Acosta. “My face is just a little swollen because I ate a lot of punches, right?” he explained.
Walker claims he didn’t suffer any serious injuries from the bout. However, he would need medical clearance from the UFC before competing again on such short notice.
The UFC has not announced whether Walker or any other fighter is serving as an official backup for the UFC 334 main event. Other heavyweights who didn’t just compete in a three-round war would likely be considered if a replacement is needed.
Brother Predicts Championship Glory
Walker’s brother Valter, himself a ranked UFC heavyweight, has big expectations for Johnny’s future. Valter took to social media after the fight to make a prediction about his brother’s career.
“I say it and I’ll say it again. My brother is going to be champion next year and will defend the title against anyone,” Valter wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Valter has been pushing for Johnny to move up to heavyweight for some time. He credits his brother with inspiring him to become a fighter.
Valter also shared that a family member turned $5,000 into $13,750 by betting on Johnny’s victory over Cortes-Acosta.
Johnny Walker began his UFC career as a light heavyweight, where he went through a rough stretch of performances. He moved up to heavyweight earlier in 2026 and has won both of his fights in the division by knockout.
Walker knocked out Mick Parkin in the first round of his heavyweight debut in October. His record now stands at 24-10 with one no contest.
After his win over Cortes-Acosta, Walker made it clear he will never fight his brother Valter inside the octagon. Valter’s record is 16-1.
If Walker doesn’t get the call for UFC 334, he plans to take time off for the holidays. “Ideally, I’d fight around February or March,” he said.
Walker suggested that if Hokit loses the title fight, that matchup could make sense for his next bout. He remains ready to answer the phone if the UFC needs him on seven days notice for a chance at heavyweight gold.
