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 below the brilliant lights of the UFC, all he wished was to occasion and have enjoyable. When actuality hit — and he obtained beat within the fitness center over and over —, Walker realized he wanted to be extra critical if he wished to construct knowledgeable profession in combined martial arts and possibly sooner or later be a part of his brother within the huge leagues.
“I modified from water to wine [when I got married],” Walker advised MMA Preventing. “I used to be loopy again then. I didn’t even prepare 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 to this point ladies and occasion each weekend. My focus was to hook up with ladies. There was a time I had six girlfriends.
“You possibly can’t focus [in MMA] whereas doing that, man. I met a special girl daily. I wished to go away the fitness center to satisfy ladies. The final 5 years that I’m married, it’s home-gym-home-gym. And the result’s right here. I prepare professionally for six years, and I’m already within the UFC. Some individuals prepare for 10 years and haven’t gotten within the UFC but.”
In response to Walker, being surrounded by Muslim athletes at GOR MMA has additionally contributed to his success. Walker received 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 periods in Russia might embrace eye pokes and ear bites when issues get too intense and “aggressive” at occasions, he stated, however all is truthful and a very good affect.
“It’s as a result of they’re Muslim in order that they don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t exit,” Walker stated. “They’re form of psychopaths. On prime of that, they’re very disciplined. They is likely to be exhausted, however they’ll nonetheless prepare. And I obtained that self-discipline from them. Im on the fitness center on a regular basis. You’re the results of these you have got round you. I’m right here for 5 years now and people round me put me on the precise path. Brotherhood is the important thing.”
Walker’s UFC debut was a disappointing displaying for a person that received 11 in a row with seven finishes, dropping a lackluster determination to Lukasz Brzeski. He celebrates that as a “needed loss” that woke him again up, dropping 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 received’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. “Everyone begins coaching takedown protection after they’re preventing 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 assume life is straightforward in Russia,” Walker laughed. “I’ve a whole lot of payments to pay. I’ve to win a bonus, as a result of I’ll make one other child and I need to pay the automobile off I purchased after the final battle.”
“As for booze, brother, solely after the win,” he added. “I’ll rejoice after the battle with a little bit of alcohol and occasion, and that’s it, again to the fitness center I’m going. I’ve been doing that for 5 years and I plan on doing it for an additional 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.”
