Johnny Walker wanted to take it slow at heavyweight, then UFC called

Johnny Walker’s heavyweight run is going faster than he planned.

By Sayan Nag · Sherdog

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 4:18 AM

Key Things to Know

Johnny Walker accepted a short-notice heavyweight headliner against Waldo Cortes-Acosta despite wanting to progress slowly.
Walker stepped in on nine days' notice after Sean Brady withdrew due to a staph infection.
The bout serves as the main event for UFC Vegas 124 at the Meta Apex.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Johnny Walker revealed he initially intended to progress slowly in the heavyweight division before accepting a short-notice headliner against Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 124. The bout was arranged on nine days' notice after Sean Brady withdrew from the original main event against Gabriel Bonfim due to a severe staph infection.

Walker debuted at heavyweight in October with a bonus-winning first-round knockout over Mick Parkin. Cortes-Acosta enters the matchup following consecutive losses to Alexander Volkov and Curtis Blaydes, with a victory poised to elevate Walker into the heavyweight division's top 10.

Read the full article on Sherdog

Johnny Walker wanted to take it slow at heavyweight, then UFC called

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