WATCH: Johnny Walker leaves fans in splits with ‘self handshake’ at recent UFC face-offs

As UFC Veteran Anthony Smith decided to not do the customary handshake with him, Walker with no regret comes up with his own handshake.

WATCH: Johnny Walker leaves fans in splits with ‘self handshake’ at recent UFC face-offs

(Image Via YouTube)

Johnny Walker, a rising star in the UFC light heavyweight division, is poised to take a significant step towards a title bout. Known for his entertaining antics and thrilling performances both inside and outside of the octagon, the 6-foot-5-inch fighter has become a fan favorite, even in the face of defeat. Despite having 27 professional fights under his belt, Walker has yet to secure a title match, but his talent and popularity suggest that it may be only a matter of time before he gets his shot.

Walker, who wants to compete for the UFC heavyweight championship title at least once, is set to fight Anthony Smith in an upcoming match with the goal of securing a victory. Ahead of the weigh-in, Walker expressed his desire to rematch Jamahal Hill, the current light heavyweight champion. The two fighters previously faced off in the main event on February 19, 2022, resulting in a loss for Walker. Despite this setback, Walker is determined to redeem himself and emerge victorious in the upcoming bout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf05NGJlKN4&pp=ygUUdWZjIGNoYXJsb3R0ZSBtZWRpYSA%3D

Before facing Smith, Johnny Walker revealed his plan in the presser.“He’s an excellent fighter, a high-level opponent, so a win over someone at that level will show how ready I am to get closer to the belt,” Then Walker cleared his future goal, “My goal is to become champion, so a win over Anthony will show at what level I am.”

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After securing the victory over Smith, Walker will look to fight the title holder Jamahal Hill. Johnny said, “I’m being very professional with my career. Super focused. With this win, depending on my performance, I want my rematch with Jamahal. Jamahal was ranked No. 5 when he got the opportunity to fight for the belt, so it doesn’t need to be any different for me. I think everybody would like to watch this rematch because it would be a brawl.”

Related: “What an incredible specimen” – Fans shocked as Johnny Walker pulls off ‘gravity-defying’ flying knee

Johnny Walker improvises the handshake to keep things humorous

Johnny Walker Self Handshake
(Image via BJ Penn)

Anthony Smith is Walker’s next opponent at UFC Charlotte. During the weigh-in, Anthony Smith once again displayed his trademark intense stare, a well-known pre-fight tactic. This unfriendly act only served to motivate his opponent, Lionheart, who also engaged in this behavior with Johnny Walker. In contrast to his previous weigh-in appearances, 31-year-old Walker appeared notably more serious, indicating his focus and determination for the upcoming fight.

At weigh-ins, it is customary for MMA fighters to shake hands as a gesture of sportsmanship. However, during a recent weigh-in, when Johnny Walker extended his hand to Anthony Smith, Smith showed no interest in reciprocating the gesture. Rather than being discouraged, Walker responded by self-shaking his own hand, finding humor in the situation, and keeping the mood light-hearted. The exchange highlights the varying attitudes and approaches that fighters can bring to weigh-ins and how they respond to unexpected situations.

According to the 31-year-old fighter, this will be his last go for the championship fight run. “From now on, it’s only wins, God willing. Then I’ll retire as soon as possible after I win the belt and make a name for myself, earn some money, and do whatever I have to do,” he revealed at the UFC Charlotte media conference.

Known for his entertaining style, the Brazilian fighter is set to bring a more serious approach to his upcoming fight. While fans have come to expect a certain level of fun and showmanship from the fighter, he has made it clear that he is focused and ready to compete with a heightened sense of intensity.

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