Walker Johnny da Silva Barra de Souza (born March 30, 1992), best known as Johnny Walker, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist.
He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
2013
A professional competitor since 2013, Walker gained entrance into the UFC by competing on Dana White's Contender Series and also previously competed for Jungle Fight in his native Brazil.
As of December 19, 2023, he is #7 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.
Walker made his professional MMA debut in December 2013.
Over the next four years, he fought in his native Brazil and earned a record of 10 wins against 3 losses with all of his wins coming via stoppages.
Walker ended up receiving an offer from a Scottish businessman to train there and moved to Scotland.
However, after a month he received no pay and left.
2018
In early 2018, Walker made the move to England where he fought for various promotions and added 3 more wins to his record and earned a spot on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2018.
Although from Brazil, Walker chose to represent England as he felt that is where he was able to reach his potential.
Walker made his Dana White's Contender Series debut on August 11, 2018.
He faced Henrique da Silva and won the fight via unanimous decision.
The win earned Walker a spot on the UFC's roster.
In his UFC promotional debut, Walker faced Khalil Rountree Jr.. on November 17, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 140.
He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
The win earned Walker his first Performance of the Night bonus award.
2019
In his next fight, Walker faced Justin Ledet on February 2, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 144.
He won the fight via knockout just 15 second into the first round.
The win earned Walker his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.
In a quick turnaround, Walker replaced an injured Ovince Saint Preux to face Misha Cirkunov on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235.
He won the fight via TKO in the first round.
Post-fight, Walker stated he dislocated his shoulder during his celebration.
The win also earned Walker his third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.
Walker faced Corey Anderson on November 2, 2019, at UFC 244.
He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.
2020
Walker faced Nikita Krylov on March 14, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 170.
He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Walker was initially scheduled to face Ryan Spann at UFC Fight Night 176 on September 5, 2020.
However, Walker tested positive for COVID-19 and the bout was postponed to September 19, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 178.
After being knocked down twice by Spann, Walker won the fight by knockout in the first round.
Walker was scheduled to face Jimmy Crute on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260.
However, Walker pulled out of the fight in early February citing a chest injury.
Walker faced Thiago Santos on October 2, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 193.
He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
As the first bout of his new six-fight contract, Walker faced Jamahal Hill on February 19, 2022, in the main event at UFC Fight Night 201.
He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
Walker faced Ion Cuțelaba on September 10, 2022, at UFC 279.
He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
This win earned Walker his fourth Performance of the Night bonus award.
Walker faced Paul Craig on January 21, 2023, at UFC 283.
