Johnny Walker vows to show ‘no hate, no emotion’ against Magomed Ankalaev at first UFC 2024 event

Johnny Walker stoic ahead of his rematch with Magomed Ankalaev in UFC Vegas 84.

Johnny Walker vows to show ‘no hate, no emotion’ against Magomed Ankalaev at first UFC 2024 event

Johnny Walker claims to have no emotion ahead of his rematch with Magomed Ankalaev in UFC Vegas 84 (via Instagram)

Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev go into action this weekend in UFC Vegas 84. This rematch came to fruition after an unfortunate ending to their first meeting. Their first fight was ruled a no-contest after Ankalaev illegally kneed Walker when he was grounded. Now, Walker looked back on the incident and expressed utmost stoicism ahead of his rematch.

During the recent media day, a reporter questioned Johnny Walker on his emotions concerning the result of his first Magomed Ankalaev fight. As such, Walker answered he kept his emotions in check and didn’t let it affect his approach to the rematch. Here is what he said:

I have no emotion. I have no hate against him. Because emotion can maybe play against you if you have hate, maybe you're going to make a mistake. No, I'm going to be very technical, very aggressive at the right moment, without emotion. Like a robot. Like a machine.
Johnny Walker via MMA Junkie
YouTube video

Magomed Akalaev and Johnny Walker faced each other in October 2023. This was the featured fight on the main card of UFC 294. But, the fight ended unfortunate after Ankalaev threw an illegal knee to Walker’s face when he was grounded. So, the referee called off the fight on the doctor’s advice. As such, it resulted in a no-contest. However, many criticized it, saying it should’ve been a disqualification for Ankalaev.

Johnny Walker was on a three-fight win streak before his no-contest with Ankalaev. As for Ankalaev, he entered the fight after going to a draw with Jan Blachowicz in a title fight. Now, they meet inside the octagon in UFC Las Vegas 84 to settle their unfinished business.

Johnny Walker agrees the UFC 294 doctor made the right call to stop the fight

Johnny Walker vs. Magomed Ankalaev in UFC 294 was abruptly stopped after the Dagestani threw an illegal knee. Thereafter, the cage-side doctor advised the referee to call the fight off after accessing Walker’s state. However, the decision enraged Walker, and he protested it. Even the fans trashed the doctor for stopping the fight prematurely. But, in hindsight, Walker sided with the doctor and explained the post-fight effects of the illegal knee.

Johnny Walker explains the cage-side doctor made the right decision in UFC 294
Johnny Walker explains the cage-side doctor made the right decision in UFC 294 (via MyMMA News)

On the UFC Vegas 84 media day, Johnny Walked stated the UFC 294 cage-side doctor made the right call to stop the fight. He said he faced drastic drawbacks because of the illegal knee and acknowledged he would’ve been disadvantaged if he continued fighting. Here is what he said:

I'm glad the doctor took the smart decision for me at the time... If I (kept) going, I'd have been disadvantaged... I think the fans should understand a little bit.
Johnny Walker via UFC Las Vegas 84 Media Day

Johnny Walker vs. Magomed Ankalaev 2 is ready to go down in UFC Las Vegas 84. Considering the state of the light heavyweight division, this fight might serve as a #1 contenders fight. As such, both the fighters looked forward to winning and fighting for the title soon.

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