Brazilian UFC fighter Johnny Walker has spoken out about Russian Magomed Ankalaev, who he will face in the octagon on October 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
I think he should promote himself more, he needs to practice and speak English. I'm learning English every day. If you know English, you will speak to the media more. You need media so people know who you are. We love this sport, but it's also a business.
"Will I be promoting our fight with Ankalaev? I'm doing my job. He's a tough fighter, but he needs to show more personality. Don't be humble, do something crazy, people love that. That's my advice to Ankalaev. Be a bad guy or a good guy, but you have to be in character. If you don't do anything, people won't pay attention to you," Telecomasia.net correspondent quotes Gaethje as saying.
Ankalaev last fought against Jan Blachowicz in December 2022 at UFC 282. That confrontation, which lasted the entire distance, was a draw. Magomed has 17 wins, one loss and one draw on his record.
Walker last stepped into the octagon against Anthony Smith in May of this year at UFC on ABC 4. That fight lasted the entire distance and ended in Johnny's favor by unanimous decision of the judges. He has 21 wins and seven losses on his record.