Johnny Walker has interesting name for next UFC heavyweight title shot

Johnny Walker has identified the fighter he believes should receive the next UFC heavyweight title opportunity, and his choice is his teammate Alexander Volkov. Following his impressive victory over Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 124, Walker publicly backed the Russian contender, arguing that his experience and performances make him deserving of a championship fight.

Walker made his comments during the post-fight press conference in Las Vegas. Interestingly, although both fighters train at the same gym, he also acknowledged that a potential fight between them would require a private conversation first.

Johnny Walker Says Alexander Volkov Deserves the Next Heavyweight Title Shot

When asked whether Volkov should be next in line for a UFC heavyweight title opportunity, Walker did not hesitate to support his training partner.

“Yeah, he does, bro,” Walker said. “He’s been in the division for how long? He’s probably the toughest guy on the planet. You know, it’s his time now.”

Walker believes Volkov’s long experience in the heavyweight division and his performances against top-level competition make him a deserving candidate. The Russian, widely known by his nickname ‘Drago’, has remained among the division’s leading contenders.

Volkov’s recent record also supports the case Walker is making. According to the supplied report, he has won seven of his last eight fights, with his only defeat during that stretch coming through a disputed split decision against heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane.

Walker is therefore putting his support behind a fighter who has continued to compete near the top of the heavyweight division and is looking for another opportunity to challenge for the championship.

Johnny Walker Stops Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 124

Walker’s comments came after he delivered an important victory of his own. The Brazilian stopped Waldo Cortes-Acosta at 2:27 of the third round in the main event of UFC Vegas 124.

The victory was particularly significant because Walker accepted the fight on short notice. It moved his heavyweight record to 2-0, giving him another positive result since moving into the division.

His previous heavyweight victory came at UFC 332, where he finished Mick Parkin with a knee strike in the first round. With two consecutive heavyweight wins, Walker has begun building momentum in his new weight class.

Despite his own progress, Walker used the post-fight media opportunity to highlight Volkov rather than campaign for himself. His comments showed that he believes his teammate should receive the next opportunity to compete for the heavyweight championship.

Johnny Walker and Alexander Volkov Train Together at Porrada Training Center

One interesting detail behind Walker’s endorsement is that he and Volkov share the same training environment. Both fighters train at Porrada Training Center in Las Vegas under coach Ray Sefo.

That connection could make a potential matchup between the two heavyweights complicated. While Walker is publicly supporting Volkov’s title ambitions, the possibility of eventually fighting each other has not been discussed between them in detail.

Walker addressed the situation when asked about the prospect of facing his teammate inside the Octagon.

“Not to talk about this yet,” Walker said. “We need to have a conversation in private first.”

His response suggests that the fighters would prefer to discuss such a possibility away from the public spotlight before making any decisions. For now, Walker appears focused on supporting Volkov’s pursuit of a title opportunity rather than considering a fight between the two.

Alexander Volkov’s Unusual Attempt to Ask Dana White for a Title Shot

Volkov has also been trying to make his case for a championship opportunity. In an unusual moment at the UFC 333 press conference in Abu Dhabi, the Russian heavyweight took matters into his own hands after being left off the official press conference lineup.

Despite being scheduled to fight Rizvan Kuniev on the card two days later, Volkov was not included among the fighters participating in the media event. Instead of accepting the situation, he entered through the fan gate and joined the line of reporters.

Once inside, Volkov first asked featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for advice. He then directed a question to UFC CEO Dana White, asking what he needed to do to earn a heavyweight title shot.

White asked about Volkov’s age and record before directing him to UFC matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard. White later said that he had known who Volkov was throughout the exchange.

Volkov, however, offered a humorous explanation of why he believed White had not recognized him.

“Of course he didn’t recognize me,” Volkov told Ariel Helwani. “I’m not even sure he can remember my name and I bet every time he hears my name, he thinks they’re talking about Alexander Volkanovski.”

The Russian also explained that he wanted a clear response about what more he needed to accomplish to receive a championship opportunity.

“What am I supposed to do to get a title fight? And they don’t have an answer.”

The exchange highlighted Volkov’s frustration with his position in the heavyweight title picture. Despite his record and experience, he was still looking for a straightforward explanation of what would put him next in line.

Alexander Volkov Beats Rizvan Kuniev to Extend Winning Run

After his unusual appearance at the press conference, Volkov returned his attention to competition. He faced Rizvan Kuniev on the UFC 333 card and secured a unanimous decision victory.

The win was especially memorable because it came on Volkov’s birthday. It also gave the Russian his third consecutive victory, strengthening his position among the heavyweight division’s contenders.

His recent results, combined with his experience against elite opposition, provide the foundation for his title-shot argument. Walker’s public endorsement adds another voice supporting the idea that Volkov deserves an opportunity to challenge for the championship.

Will Alexander Volkov Get the Next UFC Heavyweight Title Shot?

Volkov now has support from Walker, who believes the Russian has spent enough time competing in the heavyweight division to earn another championship opportunity. His recent winning run and performances against leading contenders make him part of the conversation surrounding the title picture.

However, Walker’s endorsement does not guarantee that Volkov will receive the next shot. The final decision will depend on the UFC’s plans for the heavyweight division and how the promotion evaluates its available contenders.

For Walker, the immediate priority is to build on his two consecutive heavyweight victories. For Volkov, the focus remains on turning his recent performances into a confirmed championship opportunity.

One thing is clear: Walker has made his position public. He believes his teammate’s time has arrived, and Volkov’s unusual attempt to get an answer directly from Dana White shows that the Russian is also eager to move closer to another shot at UFC heavyweight gold.