Another month, another vacant light heavyweight title fight.
Just after Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev fought to a split draw at UFC 282, the UFC decided to pivot and put on another fight for the vacant title at 205 at UFC 283. It will be old school vs. new school as former champ Glover Teixeira goes against rising contender Jamahal Hill.
Walker Pulls A ‘Nate Diaz’
Hill would pick up three straight wins by knockout to secure his fast-tracked title shot. One of which was Johnny Walker, who also fights at UFC 283 in his backyard of Brazil. Unlike many others (such as Anthony Smith), the UFC veteran wasn’t really caught off guard by the new booking between his former foe and and his fellow countryman.
“Not surprised motherf*cker,” Walker said with a laugh to Middle Easy. “I know if I had won my last two fights, it could have been me on the title shot. My dream [of being UFC champion] still here. I’m gonna keep moving forward on the division, going up, climbing on the rankings, because as Jamahal beat me and Thiago Santos, he getting to climb back there on the rankings and then he get opportunities.
“I know I’m a exciting fighter when I beat these guys and when I deserve, I’m gonna get the title shot as well. So, I just have to keep working hard and I get what I deserve soon.”
‘Glover Have More Chance Than Jamahal’
While Walker’s main focus is on his upcoming opponent Paul Craig, the knockout artist analyzed the main event which sits atop his next fight card.
“It’s hard to to think about now because glover is very, very tough fighter, very experienced,” Walker continued. “Jamahal’s young and quicker. But glover is very major fighter, he has a lot of experience. I’m cheering for Glover but if Jamahal gets [the title] as well, it’s not much. Even though [whoever] wins one day, I have to fight one guy when I get there. Both guys deserve to be there all, and it’s gonna be a really fun fight.
“Glover make a really tough fight against Jiri Prochazka. Even with the different age, he give him a really tough fight. But, you can see he’s a little bit slow against Jiri but he’s [got] more accuracy and more technical superiority… I have no idea how to score, how I’m gonna put the favor on this fight. But for me, I think Glover have more chance than Jamahal.”
