Johnny Walker throws his hat in the ring for the UFC’s light heavyweight title. Find out more about the potential matchup and other contenders in the division.
Johnny Walker Aims for UFC’s Light Heavyweight Title
In a surprising turn of events, Jamahal Hill has voluntarily relinquished his light heavyweight belt due to a severe Achilles tendon injury. This decision marks the third time in recent years that a champion has vacated the title in the division. Following Jiří Procházka’s lead, Hill chose not to hold up the rest of the division and instead opted to vacate the belt. This has opened up an opportunity for Johnny Walker to step in and fight for the title.
Walker, currently ranked #5 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, is on a three-fight win streak and is ready to take on any opponent. After a challenging 1-4 run, the Brazilian fighter has made an impressive comeback with two first-round finishes and a unanimous decision win over Anthony Smith.
While the UFC is considering various options for the vacant title, one intriguing matchup that has already been scheduled is between Jan Błachowicz and Alex Pereira at UFC 291. Błachowicz, a former light heavyweight champion, recently competed for the vacant title in a draw against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282. Pereira, a former middleweight champion, will be moving up to the light heavyweight division for the first time in the UFC.
Although some fans argue that Ankalaev should be included in the title fight, the UFC may be enticed to put the vacant title on the line at UFC 291 to enhance the already highly anticipated event.
reference: www.mmanews.com
