What is the real name of UFC light heavyweight Johnny Walker?
Johnny Walker's real name is Walker Johnny da Silva Barra Souza. However, the light heavyweight prefers to introduce himself as Walker Johnny. The similarity between his name and that of a whiskey brand has only bolstered his popularity in the MMA community, considering its unique nature.
While in conversation with MMA Junkie, Walker explained that his name had nothing to do with the alcoholic beverage. He even revealed that his father did not even indulge in the consumption of alcohol.
Interestingly, his mother insisted that all her children have names starting with the letter 'J', which is why Johnny was bestowed upon him. The Brazilian has had to explain himself on multiple occasions but rest assured, he has embraced his unique and quirky name. Walker once told MMA Junkie:
"My name is Walker Johnny. It's like half name come from my dad and half come from my mum. Because my mom called Joelma with J, and my sister's called Joyce with J. Then my mom chose Johnny with J. And my dad's called Walter. Then he put like similar to his name like Walker. Then Walker Johnny... This is my name, this is Johnny Walker. I come to make history."
The dark phase in Johnny Walker's career is over
Johny Walker was considered as the guy that would dethroned Jon Jones when he first emerged on the UFC horizon. But his UFC 244 loss, in which he was finished in the first round at the hands of Corey Anderson, marked a dip in form. At the time, Walker was in incredible shape, boasting of an unbeaten record in the UFC.
He subsequently suffered a unanimous decision loss against Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night 170 in March 2020. This disappointing performance was followed by a Round 1 TKO of Ryan Spann at UFC Vegas 11 in September 2020.
Coming off a win, Walker hoped for a change in his fortune. However, he walked into yet another unsuccessful outing against Thiago Santos in the main event of UFC Vegas 38. The 29-year-old was bested by way of unanimous decision at the end of five rounds.
48-47
Thiago Santos gets the nod over Johnny Walker!
Lots of respect between these two 🤝🇧🇷
#UFCVegas38 https://t.co/4WG7ZA9xla
Johnny Walker's first-round KO setback at UFC Vegas 48 against Jamahal Hill marked his second consecutive loss. He was at an all-time low with 1-4 record in last five fights by the end of 2022.
However, Walker flipped the switch in 2023 and came back in his original form, defeating Ion Cutelaba, Paul Craig and Anthony Smith in most recent outings. He is set to take on former light heavyweight title challenger Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294. The event will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2023.
The loss to Jamahal Hill has also aged well as he went on to capture the title after defeating Walker. Once again, Johnny Walker is in a position where his name is being brought up in the list of potential future champions.