UFC light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker is hoping a win in his next fight seals a date with Jon Jones.
The Brazilian takes on Corey Anderson at UFC 244 this Saturday in a fight many view as a number one contender bout for the light heavyweight title. The event streams live on ESPN+ in the United States.
It will also be his first fight since injuring his shoulder during a post-fight celebration following his win over Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235 in March. And though Walker wants to face Jones as soon as possible, after being on the sidelines for the last seven months, he plans on being active regardless.
“I hope, yes,” he told MMA Fighting when asked if the winner of this fight could face Jones next. “I’m doing a good job. It’s good to be back. I don’t want to stop [fighting] for another seven months. I want to fight as soon as possible, maybe next month.
“I don’t care if it’s light heavyweight or heavyweight. I just want to keep fighting. I hope to fight against Jones as soon as possible because I’m ready.”
Walker has lit the light heavyweight division up since debuting in 2018. So far, he has three first-round knockouts with many believing he has what it takes to defeat Jones, mainly due to his size and explosiveness.
Speaking of size, he notably mentioned heavyweight as an option and it’s certainly something that interests him.
“Of course,” Walker replied when asked if he was interested. “Big guys, big knockouts, big wins. I can be heavyweight because I’m very heavy. Sometimes I can be 108 kilos with a diet. That’s about 240 pounds which is like heavyweight so I can be heavyweight.”
For now, he must get past Anderson who is currently on a three-fight winning streak and will be his toughest UFC opponent yet.
And another statement win could seal a title shot for Walker.
UFC 244 takes place this Saturday, November 2, and airs exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States.