UFC heavyweight Valter Walker says he’s a brand new man – and fighter – because of his spouse and his Muslim teammates.
Walker moved to Russia to comply with his brother Johnny Walker six years in the past. When Johnny already was competing beneath the brilliant lights of the UFC, all he wished was to social gathering and have enjoyable. When actuality hit — and he received beat within the fitness center over and over —, Walker realized he wanted to be extra severe if he wished to construct an expert profession in blended martial arts and perhaps sooner or later be part of his brother within the huge leagues.
“I modified from water to wine [when I got married],” Walker advised MMA Preventing. “I used to be loopy again then. I didn’t even practice proper. I inform my spouse she gave me a possibility to turn into an athlete. My brother first gave me a possibility, however I didn’t have this mindset. All I wished was up to now girls and social gathering each weekend. My focus was to hook up with girls. There was a time I had six girlfriends.
“You may’t focus [in MMA] whereas doing that, man. I met a unique lady every single day. I wished to depart the fitness center to satisfy girls. The final 5 years that I’m married, it’s home-gym-home-gym. And the result’s right here. I practice professionally for six years, and I’m already within the UFC. Some folks practice for 10 years and haven’t gotten within the UFC but.”
In response to 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 classes in Russia might embody eye pokes and ear bites when issues get too intense and “aggressive” at occasions, he stated, 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 stated. “They’re form of psychopaths. On prime of that, they’re very disciplined. They may be exhausted, however they’ll nonetheless practice. And I received that self-discipline from them. Im on the fitness center on a regular basis. You’re the results of these you’ve got 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 displaying for a person that received 11 in a row with seven finishes, dropping a lackluster determination to Lukasz Brzeski. He celebrates that as a “needed loss” that woke him again up, dropping 22 kilos and bettering his cardio to rebound in nice trend final August with a fast submission over Junior Tafa.
Walker returns to motion Saturday, battling Don’Tale 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 undoubtedly anticipating me to shoot for takedowns,” Walker stated. “Everyone begins coaching takedown protection after they’re preventing me.”
A win Saturday represents one step nearer to the highest of the division and cash within the pocket, an vital a part of the sport for a person that’s planning to develop the household.
“Individuals assume life is simple in Russia,” Walker laughed. “I’ve quite a lot 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 automobile off I purchased after the final struggle.”
“As for booze, brother, solely after the win,” he added. “I’ll rejoice after the struggle with a little bit of alcohol and social gathering, and that’s it, again to the fitness center I’m 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 turn into 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.”
