Valter Walker, after securing his third consecutive heel hook victory in the UFC heavyweight division, emphasizes his need for patience and experience over immediate top-ranked competition, aiming to develop his skills and maintain realistic expectations for his career trajectory.
Valter Walker keeps making waves in the UFC heavyweight division. He just snagged his third straight heel hook victory, tapping out Kennedy Nzechukwu in under a minute at UFC Nashville. With a $50,000 bonus in the bag, Walker is determined not to let the hype dictate his future.
Rather than jumping straight to a top-ranked opponent, Walker wants to build his confidence and experience first. It’s a smart move, especially given how shallow the heavyweight class is right now.
“I’m thrilled with the win and the bonus,” Walker told MMA Fighting. “But I was surprised by my own nerves. When I threw a jab and he grabbed my glove, I expected him to back off. Instead, I chased him, which was a rookie mistake.”
Walker admits that if his opponent had been more experienced, he might have been knocked out. “I need to train more and fix that mistake. It was silly, but I’m glad I corrected it quickly.”
He’s open to fighting as soon as September, possibly at UFC Paris or the Fight Night in Rio. Instead of a top-ranked fighter, he’s eyeing undefeated prospect Mario Pinto.
“I know the top 10 guys are on another level,” Walker said. “I don’t want to rush into the rankings. I need time to be ready.”
The UFC might not wait, given the lack of stars in the heavyweight division. They could pit him against someone ranked between 11 and 15. Walker believes patience could lead to a bright future.
“If they want me to be a star, they’ll be patient,” Walker said. “Otherwise, they might rush me, and I could end up forgotten. I need time to evolve into my best self.”
Walker points to examples like Tallison Teixeira and his brother Johnny Walker. Teixeira faced Derrick Lewis early in his career and lost quickly. Johnny rose fast but hit bumps along the way.
“I was sad when Teixeira lost,” Walker said. “I told him he was too young for the top 8. It’s a different level of power and experience.”
Walker reflects on his brother’s early success and the hype around him. “People thought Johnny could beat Jon Jones after three knockouts. But the reality was different.”
He recalls how his brother wasn’t ready for Corey Anderson despite being told otherwise. “The truth can sting, but it’s better than false hope.”
Walker even brought some humor to UFC Nashville, wearing a cowboy hat and rubber feet to highlight his heel hook wins. But his wife advised him to stay focused, reminding him of the stakes.
“When you start getting famous, ego can creep in,” Walker said. “You need people around you to set limits and keep you grounded.”
He shares a story about a Greek warrior king who had a slave remind him, “You’re just a man.” For Walker, staying humble is crucial, especially in the UFC’s intense spotlight.