UFC heavyweight Valter Walker says he’s a brand new man – and fighter – due to his spouse and his Muslim teammates.
Walker moved to Russia to comply with his brother Johnny Walker six years in the past. When Johnny already was competing underneath the brilliant lights of the UFC, all he wished was to get together and have enjoyable. When actuality hit — and he bought beat within the gymnasium over and over —, Walker realized he wanted to be extra critical if he wished to construct knowledgeable profession in combined martial arts and perhaps at some point be a part of his brother within the large leagues.
“I modified from water to wine [when I got married],” Walker informed MMA Preventing. “I used to be loopy again then. I didn’t even practice proper. I inform my spouse she gave me a chance to develop into an athlete. My brother first gave me a chance, however I didn’t have this mindset. All I wished was thus far ladies and get together each weekend. My focus was to hook up with ladies. There was a time I had six girlfriends.
“You’ll be able to’t focus [in MMA] whereas doing that, man. I met a distinct girl daily. I wished to depart the gymnasium to satisfy ladies. The final 5 years that I’m married, it’s home-gym-home-gym. And the result’s right here. I practice professionally for six years, and I’m already within the UFC. Some individuals practice for 10 years and haven’t gotten within the UFC but.”
In line with Walker, being surrounded by Muslim athletes at GOR MMA has additionally contributed to his success. Walker gained 10 straight within the Russian circuit earlier than claiming the Titan FC heavyweight title with a stoppage over veteran Alex Nicholson, incomes a shot within the UFC in 2024. Coaching classes in Russia could embody eye pokes and ear bites when issues get too intense and “aggressive” at occasions, he stated, however all is truthful and an excellent affect.
“It’s as a result of they’re Muslim so that they don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t exit,” Walker stated. “They’re sort of psychopaths. On high of that, they’re very disciplined. They is likely to be exhausted, however they’ll nonetheless practice. And I bought that self-discipline from them. Im on the gymnasium on a regular basis. You’re the results of these you could have round you. I’m right here for 5 years now and people round me put me on the best path. Brotherhood is the important thing.”
Walker’s UFC debut was a disappointing exhibiting for a person that gained 11 in a row with seven finishes, shedding a lackluster determination to Lukasz Brzeski. He celebrates that as a “mandatory loss” that woke him again up, shedding 22 kilos and enhancing his cardio to rebound in nice vogue final August with a fast submission over Junior Tafa.
Walker returns to motion Saturday, battling Don’Story Mayes at UFC Vegas 102, and guarantees he gained’t shoot for takedowns within the first three minutes of every spherical in Las Vegas — if Mayes lasts that lengthy.
“He’s undoubtedly anticipating me to shoot for takedowns,” Walker stated. “All people begins coaching takedown protection after they’re combating me.”
A win Saturday represents one step nearer to the highest of the division and cash within the pocket, an essential a part of the sport for a person that’s planning to develop the household.
“Folks suppose life is straightforward in Russia,” Walker laughed. “I’ve lots of payments to pay. I’ve to win a bonus, as a result of I’ll make one other child and I wish to pay the automotive off I purchased after the final struggle.”
“As for booze, brother, solely after the win,” he added. “I’ll rejoice after the struggle with a little bit of alcohol and get together, and that’s it, again to the gymnasium I’m going. I’ve been doing that for 5 years and I plan on doing it for one more 5 years to go after the massive prize, to develop into champion, after which it’s again to craziness. As soon as I’m retired, it’s over. Again to craziness. Cash and tales to inform, can’t miss that.”
