“I Could Beat Him” – Johnny Walker Says Injuries Stopped Him From Defeating Jon Jones

Johnny Walker believes he could have defeated Jon Jones if injuries had not disrupted his rise in the UFC light heavyweight division. The Brazilian fighter recently reflected on the shoulder injury he suffered after celebrating his knockout victory over Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235 in March 2019, claiming the setback took away important strengths that could have helped him challenge Jones.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Walker explained that his unusual post-fight celebration had consequences that affected his career. After stopping Cirkunov in just 36 seconds, Walker attempted to perform the worm, but the celebration resulted in a dislocated shoulder.

Walker believes the injury changed the direction of his career and prevented him from reaching his full potential during a period when he was emerging as one of the most exciting contenders at 205 pounds.

Johnny Walker Says His Injury Saved Jon Jones

Walker did not hesitate when asked about the shoulder injury that followed his knockout victory over Cirkunov. He suggested that the setback benefited Jones because it took away his movement, confidence and momentum at a crucial stage of his career.

“Jon Jones was saved by my celebration because I got hurt, and it took away my strengths, my movement, my hype,” he said.

The Brazilian explained that the injury required surgery and affected his ability to train consistently. He believes that without the setback, he could have continued developing and eventually challenged Jones.

“I hurt myself, needed surgery, and I broke myself a little bit and it took a long time to come back from surgery. I knew if I didn’t hurt myself, kept training and kept doing everything, I could beat him, but it is what it is, I am happy for my career.”

Walker’s comments reflect how strongly he remembers the period before the injury. At the time, he was rapidly building attention in the light heavyweight division, with three UFC appearances and three first-round stoppage victories.

The Worm Celebration That Changed Walker’s Career

At UFC 235 in March 2019, Walker entered the fight against Misha Cirkunov with considerable momentum. He needed only 36 seconds to finish his opponent, adding another impressive result to his growing UFC record.

However, the celebration became an unexpected turning point. Walker dropped to the canvas and attempted the worm dance, dislocating his right shoulder in the process.

The injury was initially reported as mild, with approximately four weeks of rehabilitation expected. However, the problem eventually required surgery in mid-March. Walker received medical clearance in June, but the recovery period disrupted his training and competitive momentum.

His return came at UFC 244, where he faced Corey Anderson. The comeback did not go as planned, as Anderson handed Walker a stoppage defeat.

The loss marked a difficult moment for a fighter who had previously looked like one of the fastest-rising contenders in the division.

Jon Jones Was Dominating the Light Heavyweight Division

While Walker was recovering from his shoulder injury, Jon Jones remained one of the central figures in the UFC light heavyweight division. Jones also competed at UFC 235, where he successfully defended his championship against Anthony Smith.

At that stage, Jones was in the middle of his dominant title reign, while Walker was attempting to establish himself as a serious contender. Their potential matchup attracted interest because of Walker’s explosive striking, unusual movement and finishing ability.

However, the two fighters never met inside the Octagon. Walker’s comments about potentially defeating Jones remain a hypothetical assessment of what might have happened if his career had followed a different path.

That matchup is now even less likely to happen. Jones retired in 2025 and vacated the heavyweight championship. In October, he also said he more than likely would not fight again.

Johnny Walker’s Move to Heavyweight Revives His UFC Career

After competing at light heavyweight for much of his UFC career, Walker moved up to the heavyweight division in 2026. The Brazilian has made an immediate impact in his new weight class, securing two stoppage victories and putting himself back into the heavyweight conversation.

His first major result at heavyweight came against Mick Parkin at UFC 332. Walker delivered a first-round knockout, giving himself an impressive start in the division.

He followed that performance with another opportunity in the main event of UFC Vegas 124, where he faced Waldo Cortes-Acosta on short notice after Sean Brady withdrew from the card.

Walker Produces Dramatic Comeback Against Waldo Cortes-Acosta

The matchup against Cortes-Acosta proved considerably more challenging. The ranked heavyweight handled Walker’s early attacks, absorbed his leg kicks and managed to put the Brazilian down during the contest.

Walker, however, found a way to turn the fight around in the third round. He landed a question-mark kick before following up with a back fist and a powerful right hand that dropped Cortes-Acosta.

The decisive sequence ended the contest at 2:27 of the third round, giving Walker another important stoppage victory.

The result extended his professional record to 24-10 and gave him two heavyweight wins, both by stoppage. His performances have brought renewed attention to his career after years of ups and downs at light heavyweight.

Walker Plans to Attend UFC 334 for Gane vs Hokit

Following his victory over Cortes-Acosta, Walker said he planned to be in New York for UFC 334. The event is scheduled to feature a heavyweight championship matchup between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit for the undisputed title.

The matchup will bring together two heavyweights with different paths to the championship opportunity. Walker’s presence in New York would also put him close to the division’s biggest title fight as he continues building his own position at heavyweight.

Could Johnny Walker Have Defeated Jon Jones?

Walker’s belief that he could have beaten Jones offers an interesting look back at his early UFC career. Before the shoulder injury, he had established himself as an explosive light heavyweight with three consecutive first-round stoppages.

However, the fight never happened, and there is no way to know how the two fighters would have matched up inside the Octagon. Walker’s comments represent his personal assessment of what he could have achieved without the injury.

For now, the Brazilian is focused on a new chapter at heavyweight. With victories over Mick Parkin and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Walker has regained momentum and is looking to establish himself among the division’s contenders. His unrealised matchup with Jones remains part of his career story, but his recent performances suggest he still has ambitions of competing at the highest level.