Johnny Walker Explains Failed Khamzat Chimaev ‘Signature Move’ Attempt at UFC Shanghai

Light Heavyweight contender Johnny Walker talks about his victory against Zhang Mingyang at UFC Shanghai.

Johnny Walker Explains Failed Khamzat Chimaev ‘Signature Move’ Attempt at UFC Shanghai

Johnny Walker shoots a takedown similar to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Shanghai (via Instagram, MMA Fighting)

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UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has undoubtedly made waves in the MMA community ever since his debut in 2020. Chimaev’s grappling-dominated fighting prowess and intimidating persona have made him a superstar. However, fans noticed a similarity at UFC Shanghai when light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker shot a takedown similar to the Chechen superstar.

Walker recently appeared on the ‘On Paper’ podcast hosted by veteran journeyman Anthony Smith. The duo spoke on a variety of topics, including Walker’s victory against Zhang Mingyang at UFC Shanghai. Walker faked a glove touch and took down Mingyang as soon as the bell rang. Smith asked him the reason for the unprecedented move that led to the Brazilian falling into a difficult position at the bottom.

I thought i am gonna take him down bro. But I shoot strong and didn’t use my head, and I did not spin around to go to his back, and he just get out, and I f***ing finish on the bottom. But I am like, that’s okay, I am comfortable on the bottom.

Johnny Walker via On Paper podcast

The move reminded fans of the fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Kevin Holland at UFC 279. The bout had started quite similarly, as Chimaev baited Holland in with a glove touch and took him down immediately. However, the Chechen superstar’s takedown was successful as he maintained top position and submitted his opponent after just two minutes in Round 1.

Walker is known for his amusing antics between and after matches, which often make their way onto the internet. With one of the most longest reaches in the UFC, Walker boasts an arsenal of explosive knockout power and athleticism. However, he has a history of falling prey to wobbly knockouts and comedic finishes.

The Brazilian’s last victory before UFC Shanghai was against ‘Lionheart’ in 2023. However, ever since then, Walker has lost to Volkan Oezdemir and faced Magomed Ankalaev twice. He faced a no-contest against Ankalaev in their first fight, but was brutally knocked out in their second meeting.

Walker has also expressed his wish to move up to the heavyweight division. The victory against Mingyang undoubtedly served as a good closure for Walker’s light heavyweight career. It remains to be seen if Walker moves up in weight or feels confident to continue in the 205-pound division.

Johnny Walker reacts to his win against Zhang Mingyang at UFC Shanghai

The UFC Shanghai main event was an absolute success, as the fight had promised fireworks due to the contrasting fighting styles of both fighters. However, Mingyang was the betting favorite going into the fight due to his explosive knockout record. Walker was the underdog and proved himself with a second-round knockout over the Chinese star at the ‘Mountain Tiger’s’ home turf.

Johnny Walker defeated Zhang Mingyand at UFC Shanghai
Johnny Walker defeated Zhang Mingyang at UFC Shanghai (via MMA Fighting)

In the post-fight interview, Walker got emotional due to his three-fight winless streak and poured out his heart. He credited his family and the esteemed Xtreme Couture gym, where he gained a new approach to his fighting style. However, he also gave props to his opponent and former training partner.

I’m fighting top 10 for six, seven years, and I fight trained killers. I’m a trained killer too, so he has to worry because as the guy can get hurt and knocked out and sleep, so do I. Everybody can get hurt in this game. The fight was very emotional for us because we know how hard we train. This is the hardest job in the world.

Johnny Walker via UFC Shanghai post fight interview

Walker’s win at UFC Shanghai felt like a career reset, proving he still belongs among the most dangerous fighters in the light heavyweight division. By silencing the Chinese crowd with a brutal finish, Walker reminded fans and critics that his explosiveness and resilience remain intact. More importantly, the victory ended doubts about his decline and gave him momentum to regain contender status.

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