Johnny Walker on Why Fighting Jon Jones Needs to be “Part of my History”

Johnny Walker still has some work to do before he locks up a title fight appearance, but facing the UFC champ, Jon Jones, is clearly front-and-center in his plans.

Since Walker arrived in the UFC last year the Brazilian fighter has done nothing but impress. The 27-year-old has needed less than three minutes total to defeat Khalil Rountree, Justin Ledet and most recently, Misha Cirkunov. Due to his jaw-dropping, highlight reel wins, and because Walker is 6’5 tall, there’s been no shortage of talk already, about how he’d do against Jones.

Well, although Walker probably won’t fight Jones anytime too soon, the charismatic fighter continues to be asked about battling “Bones”. Walker, however, doesn’t appear to mind, as recently he reported fighting Jones is his dream (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“A fight against Jon Jones is very important for me, because I watch his fights before I started training, before I know what I want from my life” Walker said. “This is part of my history. This is like a dream for me. I want a fight against him.”

“As much as I can have more experience, it’s better for me. I’m ready,” Walker added. “Maybe top five is good. Maybe two more fights before Jones. Maybe Jones will be my Christmas gift.”

More interesting stuff from Walker, but, is a year-end showdown with Jones possible? It’s not impossible.

Now, if Walker does, in fact, fight two more times before say, October, and he takes out two top contenders while doing so, he could very well secure a title shot. There’s a ton of hype behind Walker right now, and if he scores a couple more emphatic wins, there’s no reason to think he couldn’t get that opportunity. After all, Volkan Oezdemir was tapped for a championship bout with Daniel Cormier after winning three in a row.

But, considering June is fast approaching, a lot of chips would need to fall just right, in order for all of this to happen. Jones needs to get past Thiago Santos on July 6th, unscathed, and Walker would also need to stay healthy, nevermind record two more wins.

There’s also a chance, however, that the UFC will tap Walker for a fight with a top-five contender next. If he can record yet another, thrilling victory, then a title shot could be waiting.