TLDR
- Johnny Walker refuses to fight training partner Alexander Volkov under any circumstances
- Walker also will not fight his brother Valter, who competes in the UFC heavyweight division
- Alexander Volkov is on a winning streak and appears ready for a title shot after defeating Rizvan Kuniev
- Ciryl Gane defends the heavyweight championship against Josh Hokit this weekend at UFC 334
- Walker’s stance could create complications if Volkov or his brother reach the top of the division
Sources: bjpenn.com
UFC heavyweight Johnny Walker has made it clear he will not fight training partner Alexander Volkov under any circumstances. Walker stated during an interview with Home of Fight that the matchup will never happen.
“We will never talk about this bout. I have no interest in fighting him (Volkov),” Walker said. “He’s a good guy and a good training partner.”
Walker explained that there are two fighters in the heavyweight division he refuses to face. The other fighter is his brother, Valter Walker, who also competes in the UFC heavyweight division.
“There’s two guys in the division that I don’t need to fight,” Walker said. “That’s two less that I don’t need to worry about.”
👀 Johnny Walker reveals the ONLY TWO fights he would NEVER accept at heavyweight, no matter the offer.
“I have no interest in fighting [Alexander Volkov] and he’s just a great guy and training partner.
I would never fight my brother, [Valter], so that’s two guys less in the… pic.twitter.com/1jja8FpIMr
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 9, 2026
Volkov Closing In on Title Shot
Alexander Volkov is currently on a winning streak and appears ready for a UFC heavyweight title opportunity. His most recent victory came against Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333.
Many fans and analysts believe Volkov defeated Ciryl Gane in their recent fight. Gane holds the UFC heavyweight championship and will defend the title this weekend against Josh Hokit at UFC 334.
Volkov has not yet received an official title shot offer from the UFC. He has been building an impressive resume with quality wins throughout his UFC career.
Walker’s Recent Success
Johnny Walker is also moving up the heavyweight rankings after his victory over Waldo Cortes Acosta. Walker has successfully transitioned to the heavyweight division after previously competing at light heavyweight.
The potential conflict between friendship and competition could become more serious if Volkov wins the championship. If Volkov defeats the winner of Gane versus Hokit, Walker might face pressure to compete for the title against his training partner.
Valter Walker recently issued a public apology to his brother Johnny following controversial family comments. The brothers have maintained their position about not fighting each other despite both being ranked heavyweights.
Walker’s stance on refusing to fight teammates and family members is not uncommon in mixed martial arts. Many fighters follow similar codes of loyalty to training partners who help them prepare for fights.
The UFC heavyweight division features several top contenders competing for title opportunities. Ciryl Gane will defend his championship against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden this Saturday.
Volkov explained his newfound confidence following his UFC 333 victory over Kuniev. He continues to wait for his opportunity to compete for the heavyweight championship.
Walker’s refusal to face Volkov means he has eliminated two potential opponents from his path in the heavyweight division. This could affect his route to a potential title shot if either Volkov or his brother Valter reaches the top of the division.
