Knockout king vs. submission expert. That’s the kind of matchup Valter Walker has set his sights on.
Walker (16-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC), arguably the biggest jiu-jitsu threat in the UFC heavyweight division, would like his next fight to be against veteran and former UFC title challenger Derrick Lewis – who holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history. Either a fight with “The Black Beast” or a fight against fellow rising contender Josh Hokit would suit the Brazilian.
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“I want Derrick Lewis or Josh Hokit,” Walker told MMA Junkie. “I’ll be ready to fight in October or November. I have in mind these two guys: Derrick Lewis or Josh Hokit. This is who I want next.”
Although either fight would be a high-profile for Walker, he does find the matchup against Lewis to be more appealing due to the name value Lewis brings and the previously mentioned contrasting style of the matchup.
“If I could pick, I would pick Derrick Lewis,” Walker said. “I think for me it’s an interesting fight. He has a big name and a more big name than Josh Hokit. I think Derrick Lewis has an interesting name in the game. I watched him when I was young. He has the record for knocking people out, and I try to make my name in the game. I think this is a very interesting fight for me.”
Walker currently has a five-fight winning streak, with all victories coming by leg lock submissions in the first round. It’s been an incredible run that has captured the attention of many. Walker extended this record just last month with a 92-second submission win over Thomas Petersen.
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Walker has issued his callout, but at the end of the day, he’s game to leg lock anyone in the heavyweight division.
“I’m a soldier for the UFC,” Walker said. “Whoever the UFC gives me, I’m happy, and I’ll agree. I’m not the kind of guy who says, ‘Who do I get in the negotiation?’ No, whoever the UFC gives me, I’m happy to agree.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Valter Walker targets Derrick Lewis next: ‘It’s an interesting fight’
