LAS VEGAS – Johnny Walker wasn't planning on a fast rise in the UFC's heavyweight division.
In a short-notice matchup, Walker (23-10 MMA, 9-7 UFC) will take on UFC-ranked No. 6 contender Waldo Cortes Acosta. The fight is the new main event of UFC Fight Night 293, after Sean Brady withdrew from his fight against Gabriel Bonfirm due to a knee injury. The event takes place at the Meta APEX on Saturday (Paramount+).
"He's a very high-level fighter," Walker told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday's media day. "Good boxing, good speed, good with the hands. We're about the same age as well, and that's a really good opportunity for me, fight a guy of that caliber. It's a big test, and I pass through that, it's just gonna show that I belong to the heavyweight
division."
It will be Walker's second fight at heavyweight. He moved up from light heavyweight to take on Mick Parkin at UFC 332 last month. The result was a highlight-reel knee knockout that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. Now he gets a big step up on short notice against Cortes Acosta (17-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC), and is well aware of the difference in competition. He isn't quite sure how the fight will unfold, but he's ready.
"I never make a plan," Walker said. "I just get ready for the worst situation. You think I planned to knock Mick Parkin like that last time? I hadn't planned that, just happened, you know? It's more like an instinct. You get ready, train, sharp your skills, everything – but the day of the fight, of course you follow a little bit of gameplan, but you can't predict 100 percent what's going to happen."
Walker made 16 walks to the octagon as a light heavyweight, and competed against the top names. He fought former champs Jamahal Hill and Magomed Ankalaev, and title challengers like Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Khalil Rountree Jr., and Dominick Reyes. After moving up, Walker expected a slow build, but in just his second fight, he found himself against a top-10 opponent in a main event.
"I was thinking to take small steps and go slow through the division, you know? Feel how I feel in the heavyweight," Walker said. "That was my plan, and as I said before, God have different plan than me. God's plan not my plan. He have better plans for me, so I just accept the faith, and here we are."
"... I'm 34 years old, and very experienced fighter already. I've been through this game for a long time. A win against a guy at this level is gonna put me in a very good position – and I believe I'm gonna be deserving, no? Let's see this Saturday if I'm ready or not."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Johnny Walker wanted slow heavyweight rise, but 'God's plan' is different
