The Brazilian fighter said in an interview with The Schmo channel.
“One hundred percent, beating him will give me a title shot,” Walker stated. “I need to close it out with him because the previous fight didn’t end the way I expected. I felt him out, I know his power, and I have a big surprise ready for him.”
The first fight between the top welterweights, which took place in October last year, ended without a result being announced, as in the fourth minute of the match the Russian misjudged his opponent’s position and delivered a banned punch to his head, while the Brazilian failed to explain himself to the doctor and gave him a reason to stop the fight.
Recall that the bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnnie Walker will headline UFC Fight Night 234 in Las Vegas on January 13.