Ali Akbar Rosady
Brazilian heavyweight prospect Valter Walker has voiced strong skepticism regarding the perceived threats posed by Josh Hokit and Gable Steveson within the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s heavyweight division. Ahead of his upcoming bout, Walker articulated a confident stance, expressing his readiness to face either competitor should he secure a victory in his return to the octagon.
Walker, the younger brother of established UFC light heavyweight Johnny Walker, is slated to compete this Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi. He is scheduled to face Thomas Petersen in a heavyweight contest, marking his second appearance under the UFC banner. His professional record stands at an unblemished 12-0, a testament to his consistent performance and developing prowess in mixed martial arts. Walker made his official UFC debut in October 2023, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, demonstrating his ability to go the distance against a seasoned veteran. Prior to his UFC signing, he earned his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series with an arm-triangle choke submission win over Lucas Fernando. Known for his aggressive style and finishing capabilities, Walker has built a reputation as a dangerous opponent, with 10 of his 12 victories coming by way of knockout or submission.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Walker did not mince words when discussing the two high-profile wrestling standouts. He explicitly stated his lack of apprehension regarding Josh Hokit, a fighter described within the context of the interview as unbeaten in the sport with a 4-0 record in the UFC, including notable victories over top-ranked heavyweights Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis.
"I don’t think he’s a tough fight for me," Walker declared concerning Hokit. "Honestly, I don’t think he’s the fighter people are making him out to be. Come on, he’s small. I’m not intimidated by that guy at all." Walker further questioned the legitimacy of Hokit’s alleged victories, particularly the one over Curtis Blaydes. "Fight fans don’t really understand fighting, you know? He beat Curtis Blaydes, I think that’s the biggest win of his career. He beat him convincingly, sure. But I still don’t know how Curtis Blaydes lost to him like that." This commentary highlights Walker’s analytical approach to his potential opponents, even as he dismisses their perceived prowess.
Related News :
- UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria Condemns Josh Hokit’s Press Conference Remarks, Citing Disrespectful Conduct and Escalation Concerns
- UFC 321 Set for Heavyweight Showdown as Champion Tom Aspinall Faces Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi
- MMA’s 2025 Season Concludes Amidst Unprecedented Awards Controversy.
- Featherweight King Alexander Volkanovski Offers Detailed Prediction for McGregor-Holloway Rematch at UFC 329
- UFC 323 Set for Las Vegas Showdown as Reigning Champions Merab Dvalishvili and Alexandre Pantoja Enter as Significant Betting Favorites
Walker extended his critical assessment to Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist wrestler whose transition to MMA has been met with considerable hype. Steveson, also referenced within the interview’s narrative as holding a 4-0 professional record with a stoppage victory over Elisha Ellison in his octagon debut, failed to impress Walker. "Gable Steveson, Josh Hokit. People say, ‘He’s a monster, an Olympic wrestling champion.’ Man, I watched Gable’s debut, and I wasn’t that impressed. I didn’t get all the hype." This blunt appraisal suggests Walker views Steveson’s wrestling accolades as insufficient to guarantee success or pose a significant threat in the multifaceted world of MMA, particularly in the demanding heavyweight division.
The heavyweight division in the UFC is currently undergoing a period of transition, with established veterans holding ground while a new wave of prospects emerges. Fighters like Valter Walker, with his unbeaten record and dynamic finishing ability, represent the future of the division. His upcoming opponent, Thomas Petersen, also enters the bout with an impressive 9-1 professional record, having secured his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series with a first-round TKO. This match-up itself is crucial for Walker, as a win would solidify his position as a rising force and potentially open doors to the higher echelons of the division.
Despite the formidable records attributed to Hokit and Steveson within the conversation, Walker’s confidence remained unshaken. "I’m not scared of Josh Hokit or Gable Steveson one bit," Walker asserted. "If that’s the next fight, bring it on. It can be Gable Steveson, Josh Hokit, Vitor Petrino. I’ll take all of them. If I win this Saturday, book me against any of those guys next. I’ll go right after them." This comprehensive challenge underscores Walker’s ambition to face high-profile opponents and rapidly ascend the divisional rankings. Vitor Petrino, another formidable Brazilian light heavyweight prospect, also has an undefeated professional record (11-0) and represents another significant challenge Walker is willing to embrace.
Walker also acknowledged the significant promotional potential of a hypothetical clash with Hokit. "I think if the two of us [Hokit and I] fought, it would have huge potential. We’re talking co-main event or even main event, because of all the trash we’d talk to each other. We’d probably need security following us around. I really believe we have the potential to put on a great show for the fans." This statement reveals Walker’s keen understanding of the entertainment aspect of professional fighting, recognizing that pre-fight banter and personal rivalries can significantly elevate a bout’s profile.
Walker expressed uncertainty about whether Hokit, given his alleged past victories over top-ranked contenders, would be willing to face him. However, he framed such an opportunity as "a huge opportunity" for himself. The same sentiment applied to Steveson, whose reputation is bolstered by his Olympic wrestling background and his association with former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones, who reportedly coaches him.
For Walker, challenging Steveson represents a strategic move to "catch a big fish" in the unpredictable waters of professional MMA. He elaborated on this philosophy: "You go after guys with big egos, you know? That’s usually how it works. I’ve seen it happen a lot. A guy says, ‘I’ll beat that guy.’" Walker drew parallels from his own experiences, citing instances where overconfident individuals underestimated their opponents, leading to unexpected outcomes. He posited that Steveson might harbor similar thoughts of an easy victory: "Maybe Gable is thinking the same thing. ‘I’ll beat this guy easily. He thinks he’s going to get to my legs? I’ll take him out.’ That’s the moment for me to make a name for myself. That’s how the business works, right?"
Walker’s ambition extends beyond mere victory; he envisions a scenario that would generate maximum publicity and cement his status as a major player. His hypothetical post-fight celebration against Steveson included a provocative gesture aimed at Jon Jones. "Can you imagine? I beat [Steveson], climb on the cage, and spit in Jon Jones’ face. Damn! People holding Jon Jones back while I’m screaming that I’m the GOAT and telling Jon Jones to go f*ck himself. All the hype would come my way. It’s an opportunity." This audacious vision underscores Walker’s understanding of the theatrical elements inherent in fight promotion and his willingness to embrace controversy to achieve prominence. He concluded by acknowledging the role of management in securing such high-stakes fights, expressing hope that Steveson’s management might not be as adept as his own, thus potentially creating an opening for the highly sought-after bout.
Valter Walker’s upcoming fight against Thomas Petersen at UFC Abu Dhabi is therefore more than just another step in his career; it is a potential springboard to the high-profile matchups he clearly desires. His outspoken challenges to Josh Hokit and Gable Steveson, coupled with his understanding of fight promotion, signal a fighter ready not only for the physical demands of the heavyweight division but also for the strategic maneuvering required to climb to its summit.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMAJuly 21, 2026Valter Walker Dismisses Heavyweight Rivals Hokit and Steveson, Eyes Marquee Bouts After UFC Abu Dhabi
MMAJuly 21, 2026UFC Freedom 250 Set for Historic White House Showdown as Topuria and Gaethje Vie for Lightweight Crown.
MMAJuly 21, 2026UFC Veteran Matt Brown Applauds Paddy Pimblett’s Superstar Surge at UFC 329, Yet Expresses Reservations on Championship Credentials
MMAJuly 21, 2026UFC Fight Night: Muhammad vs. Bonfim Set for Crucial Welterweight Clash in Las Vegas, Expert Predictions Detail Key Bouts
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo
arthur roy sitompul