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 observe his brother Johnny Walker six years in the past. When Johnny already was competing beneath the intense lights of the UFC, all he needed was to celebration and have enjoyable. When actuality hit — and he obtained beat within the health club again and again —, Walker realized he wanted to be extra severe if he needed to construct knowledgeable profession in blended martial arts and possibly someday be a part of his brother within the large leagues.
“I modified from water to wine [when I got married],” Walker advised MMA Combating. “I used to be loopy again then. I didn’t even prepare proper. I inform my spouse she gave me a chance to grow to be an athlete. My brother first gave me a chance, however I didn’t have this mindset. All I needed was up to now ladies and celebration each weekend. My focus was to hook up with ladies. There was a time I had six girlfriends.
“You may’t focus [in MMA] whereas doing that, man. I met a distinct lady day by day. I needed to depart the health club 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 folks prepare for 10 years and haven’t gotten within the UFC but.”
In line with 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 mentioned, however all is truthful and affect.
“It’s as a result of they’re Muslim so that they don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t exit,” Walker mentioned. “They’re type of psychopaths. On prime of that, they’re very disciplined. They is perhaps exhausted, however they’ll nonetheless prepare. And I obtained that self-discipline from them. Im on the health club on a regular basis. You’re the results of these you may have 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 exhibiting for a person that received 11 in a row with seven finishes, dropping a lackluster choice to Lukasz Brzeski. He celebrates that as a “vital 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 positively anticipating me to shoot for takedowns,” Walker mentioned. “All people begins coaching takedown protection after they’re combating 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 suppose life is simple in Russia,” Walker laughed. “I’ve lots of payments to pay. I’ve to win a bonus, as a result of I’ll make one other child and I wish to pay the automotive 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 celebration, and that’s it, again to the health club I am 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 grow to be 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.”
