Johnny Walker releases statement following TKO loss at UFC 244
UFC 244 was a huge event, not only for the explosive main event, but due to several other pivotal bouts on the stacked card. One of those was a light heavyweight showdown between established veteran Corey Anderson and rising Brazilian star Johnny Walker. The bout was set to be Walker’s biggest test to date, as he had blazed a trail in the division with three straight, first-round knockouts. The bout at UFC 244, however, did not go as expected for Walker.
Anderson rocked Walker early on the feat, and the Brazilian never managed to regain his composure, forcing the referee to stop the fight in the first round. This was a shocking result, as Walker was percieved to have the striking advantage against the wrestler Anderson. Walker feels that the loss at UFC 244 can be attributed to poor in-fight strategy.
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“I know it was my mistake,” Walker told MMA Fighting. “I hesitated too much, I should have been more aggressive, but I didn’t, I had too many people talking about his takedowns, so I waited for him to shoot, and I didn’t let my game go. It was the wrong strategy. I should have listened to myself. I listened to everyone else but me. That was my mistake. I regret that.
“I should have gone for the knockout right away like I always do, but I ended up changing my game and everything went wrong. But it’s alright – I’m ready for the next one.”
Ahead of the bout many saw Walker as a potential title contender, that talk has now been shut down – For now. While the loss at UFC 244 was a huge setback for Walker, he’s hoping for a quick turnaround. He has been handed a 45 day suspension by NYSAC, but could very well return to action early next year.
“I want to fight as quick as possible,” said Walker. “I want to fight in December, or January, or February. I’m ready. I’m not injured. (I) just get back to the gym and train and beat up the next one, and trust myself and my plan A more.”
Who should Johnny Waler face in his next fight?
