“I don’t want to say wrong answer…” Johnny Walker finally explains ‘desert’ answer leading to UFC 294 doctor confusion

Johnny Walker's fight at UFC 294 against Magomed Ankalaev ended in a No Contest due to an illegal knee strike. The cage-side doctor called off the fight, citing a concussion and asked Walker a question about his location, to which Walker gave an uncertain response.

“I don’t want to say wrong answer…” Johnny Walker finally explains ‘desert’ answer leading to UFC 294 doctor confusion

Johnny Walker (Image via: X/Bloody Elbow)

Johnny Walker had a controversial outing at UFC 294. Walker had his bout with Magomed Ankalaev deemed a No Contest. It was after Walker got hit in the head by Ankalaev with an illegal knee. The doctor who went inside to look at Walker called the fight off, citing concussion. Apparently, the doctor asked a question to which Walker provided an unsatisfactory reply.

Walker was recently interviewed by Ariel Helwani in the MMA Hour in the aftermath of UFC 294. There Walker provided his side of the story. This is what Walker said about his interaction with the doctor at UFC 294:

He asked where I was. I don't want to say the wrong answer. I thought to say Abu Dhabi. Then I said, fine, I'm in the fucking desert bro.
Johnny Walker on the MMA Hour

Coming into UFC 294, Walker was on a three-fight win streak. This was after he went 1 and 4 in his previous 5 bouts. On the other hand, his opponent, Magomed Ankalaev was coming off a split draw over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282. With Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka fighting for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 295, the bout was billed as a number-one contender fight.

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The light heavyweight title was vacated after Jamahal Hill suffered an ankle injury. Interestingly, Prochazka had also vacated the title when he suffered a shoulder injury. Nevertheless, the star of the light heavyweight bout at UFC 294 was indeed the cage-side doctor. The doctor’s overall performance at the event was controversial.

Michael Bisping reacted to the controversial stoppage of the Johnny Walker vs. Magomed Ankalaev bout

The highly anticipated fight between Johnny Walker and Magamed Ankalaev came to an abrupt halt. Initially, both fighters showcased their prowess, exchanging powerful leg kicks and demonstrating their formidable skills. However, as the match progressed, Ankalaev delivered an illegal knee to Walker’s head, leading to immediate controversy.

Johnny Walker Self Hanshake
Johnny Walker (Source – BJ Penn)

Michael Bisping voiced his opinions on his popular podcast. He argued that fighters should be granted more recovery time in such situations. Drawing parallels to the five-minute recovery periods allowed for eye pokes and groin strikes, Bisping suggested a similar rule for head injuries. He emphasized that this would ensure fighters’ safety without prematurely ending a match. About the fight getting stopped, this is what Bisping said on his podcast.

It's just an absolute shame as both men are ready to fight.
Michael Bisping on Believe You Me

However, at UFC 294 featured bout between Walker and Ankalaev, the referee intervened after the illegal blow. He paused the bout and called in a doctor to assess Walker’s condition. During this assessment, Walker appeared disoriented and was unable to answer basic questions correctly. The doctor recommended stopping the fight. The decision didn’t sit well with the fighters or the audience.

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