Johnny Walker believes he’s in the middle of a career high, and that is enough to lead to UFC gold. The Brazilian light heavyweight contender returns to the octagon Saturday in the co-main event of UFC on ABC 4 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., as he takes on Anthony Smith with an opportunity for a title shot on the line.
Walker (20-7 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has two wins under his belt since January and is confident that if he can beat Smith (36-17 MMA, 11-7 UFC), it will prove that he is ready for a title fight against one of the current champions. Speaking at the media day prior to his upcoming bout, Walker said “Beating him up, whatever it takes – it’s going to show that I finish off a guy ranked No. 5 and that I’m ready for a title shot”. He also admitted however, that even if everything goes according to plan this weekend, his performance would still be key: “You can get better every time you train – but depending on my performance this Saturday will tell me and everyone else if I’m really ready or not”.
Despite acknowledging Smith as an experienced and dangerous fighter, Johnny Walker remains upbeat about his chances: “I train really hard now – I’m showing this in my last two fights. Whatever [Smith] brings into Saturday’s match – I’m ready.” While many people have already tipped him as potential future champion, Johnny Walker acknowledges how much work needs done before then: “Obviously there are some steps until we get there – but after beating someone like Anthony Smith, who knows what could happen next.”
UFC On ABC 4 promises to be an exciting night full of action with all eyes firmly fixed upon the main event which sees former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar take on Cory Sandhagen. But, the fight fans will be tuning in to see however is Johnny Walker vs Anthony Smith. UFC President Dana White has said that a win for either fighter would put them in the conversation for a title shot, and it looks set to be an exciting main card encounter as both fighters are determined to prove they have what it takes to make it all the way. With his recent victories over Jimmy Crute and Ryan Spann already under his belt, this could potentially be Walker’s biggest night yet – should he come out on top then we may well see him challenging for the light heavyweight championship before long.Â
Comments:
It looks like it’s going to be a great fight
I’m really looking forward to seeing Johnny Walker take on Anthony Smith this weekend
I think Walker is an incredibly promising fighter and if he can beat Smith then that should definitely earn him a title shot
I heard Dana White say the same thing too
It would be amazing to see Walker become the champion, but let’s not forget we’ve got Frankie Edgar v Cory Sandhagen in the main event first! That will undoubtedly be exciting as well
Johnny Walker has looked very impressive in his last few fights, so I’m sure he’ll have no problem against Smith either
If he does manage to get past Smith though then it could open up several doors for him and lead to some big opportunities down the line
Yeah, it’s set up for a great night of fighting – I think whoever wins should definitely put them into contention for a title shot…we shall have to wait and see what unfolds this Saturday.