Who Needs Time? Johnny Walker Says He’s Ready For Jon Jones

Some observers and fans have argued that the UFC shouldn’t rush having Johnny Walker fight Jon Jones. But, according to the rising light-heavyweight, he’s ready to face and defeat the champ right now.

Walker (17-3) has turned heads and then some since arriving in the UFC, as the Brazilian fighter has won all three of his Octagon bouts via stoppage. Not only that, Walker has needed less than three minutes total, yes, that’s right, to win all three bouts.

Well, due to the skills Walker has showcased, and because he’s 6’5 tall, there’s been considerable talk about how he’d do against Jones. That said, since Walker isn’t ranked in the top 10 yet, and because he’s only defeated one top 15 ranked fighter (Misha Cirkunov), the point’s been made he needs to do more work before facing “Bones”.

Well, Walker was in attendance at UFC 237, and while discussing the possibility of fighting the champ, he said this (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“Man, I think that one or two more (wins is enough), but I’m ready to fight Jon Jones already,” Walker said. “All I need is to recover my shoulder and have a decent camp. But I’m ready. I have enough technique and experience for that. I don’t think he has anything to surprise me.

“I’m ready to beat Jon Jones. Now. Anyone they put (against me), I’ll accept it, but I’d rather fight someone from the top 5 next. But if it’s a top 10, that’s okay, I’m the No. 12 now. I’ll accept anyone that’s ahead of me, but I want to beat Jon Jones. But I have to go slowly, I don’t want to take anyone’s spot. Many people deserve it more than me, I still have a lot to show, and I will conquer my space.”

Now, when you consider how Walker has cruised through UFC competition thus far, the comments above shouldn’t come as a surprise. The 27-year-old very likely does believe he can defeat Jones.

But, as he also noted, the chances of Walker fighting Jones next seem pretty slim (barring some unforeseen change in circumstances). That said, if Walker does get booked to face a top-five ranked contender next, and if he scores an emphatic victory, don’t be surprised if a title shot arrives.

Jones, meanwhile, has to get past Thiago Santos next, as the two will fight at UFC 239, July 6th,