Johnny Walker Bio
Walker Johnny Silva Barra de Souza, known professionally as Johnny Walker, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on March 30, 1992, Walker began his professional MMA career in 2013 and has since established himself as a dynamic and powerful fighter within the sport. As of August 26, 2025, he is ranked #12 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Johnny Walker was born in Belford Roxo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Details about his early family life are limited, but he grew up in Brazil before embarking on his MMA career. His initial exposure to mixed martial arts began in his home country, where he developed his skills and competed in local promotions. Walker holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting his proficiency in grappling and submission techniques.
Walker later relocated to Europe to further his training and career opportunities. He initially moved to Scotland after receiving an offer from a Scottish businessman but left after a month due to lack of payment. Subsequently, he moved to England, where he fought for various promotions and honed his skills, ultimately earning a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series. Currently, he resides in Dublin, Ireland, and trains with SBG Ireland, a well-known MMA team.
Path to MMA
Johnny Walker began his professional MMA career in December 2013, competing primarily in Brazil. Over four years, he amassed a record of ten wins and three losses, with all his victories coming by stoppage. His aggressive style and finishing ability helped him gain recognition in the regional circuits.
In 2018, Walker’s career took a significant step forward when he participated in Dana White’s Contender Series. His performance there earned him a contract with the UFC, marking his transition to the premier global MMA organization. Despite being Brazilian, Walker chose to represent England during this period, crediting the country for providing him the platform to reach his potential.
Johnny Walker Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
Walker made his professional debut in December 2013 and quickly established a reputation for his finishing ability, winning all his early fights by stoppage. Competing mainly in Brazil, he built a strong record that showcased his knockout power and submission skills. His early career was marked by rapid growth and development as he gained experience against a variety of opponents.
After moving to Europe, Walker continued to compete and improve, fighting in England and Scotland. His performances in regional promotions led to his invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018, where he secured a UFC contract with a unanimous decision win over Henrique da Silva.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Johnny Walker made a striking UFC debut on November 17, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 140 against Khalil Rountree Jr., winning by knockout in the first round. This victory earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus and announced his arrival on the global stage.
He continued his momentum with a 15-second knockout of Justin Ledet at UFC Fight Night 144 in February 2019, securing his second consecutive Performance of the Night award. Shortly after, Walker replaced an injured fighter to face Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235, winning by first-round TKO despite dislocating his shoulder during the celebration. This win earned him a third consecutive Performance of the Night bonus.
Walker’s UFC journey has included notable wins and setbacks. He faced tough opponents like Corey Anderson and Thiago Santos, experiencing losses but demonstrating resilience. In September 2020, he rebounded with a first-round knockout of Ryan Spann, earning another Performance of the Night award. His submission victory over Ion Cuțelaba in September 2022 marked his first UFC win by submission and added a fourth Performance of the Night bonus to his accolades.
In recent years, Walker has continued to compete at a high level, securing wins over Paul Craig and Anthony Smith in 2023. His fight against Magomed Ankalaev in October 2023 ended controversially in a no-contest, leading to a rematch in January 2024, where Walker suffered a knockout loss. In June 2024, he faced Volkan Oezdemir and was defeated by knockout in the first round. Despite these challenges, Walker remains an active competitor with a reputation for exciting fights and finishing ability.
Current Team Era (2020–Present)
From 2020 to 2024, Johnny Walker trained with Tristar Gym before returning to SBG Ireland, where he currently trains. His time with these teams has been marked by continued development of his striking and grappling skills. The partnership with SBG Ireland has provided him with high-level coaching and training partners, contributing to his performances inside the octagon.
Walker’s fighting style is characterized by unorthodox striking, long reach, and explosive power, making him a dangerous opponent in the Light Heavyweight division. His ability to finish fights quickly has earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses and a reputation as an exciting fighter to watch.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnny Walker’s strengths lie in his reach advantage and dynamic striking. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall with a 208 cm reach, he uses his physical attributes to control distance and deliver powerful, unpredictable attacks. His aggressive approach combined with solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills allows him to finish fights both standing and on the ground. Walker’s adaptability and creativity in the cage make him a formidable competitor in the Light Heavyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Walker’s UFC debut knockout and subsequent three consecutive Performance of the Night awards early in his career are significant milestones. His quick knockout of Justin Ledet in just 15 seconds remains one of the fastest finishes in the division. The controversial no-contest against Magomed Ankalaev in 2023 and the subsequent rematch highlight the dramatic moments that have punctuated his career.
Johnny Walker Career Wins
Johnny Walker has accumulated a total of 22 professional wins out of 32 fights, showcasing his finishing ability with six knockouts, one submission, and two decision victories. His record reflects a fighter capable of ending bouts decisively and competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
UFC Highlights
Walker’s UFC career includes multiple highlight-reel knockouts and a notable submission victory. His first UFC win by knockout came against Khalil Rountree Jr., followed by a rapid 15-second knockout of Justin Ledet. His submission win over Ion Cuțelaba marked a new dimension in his skill set. Walker has earned four Performance of the Night bonuses, underscoring his impact in the promotion.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Walker fought primarily in Brazil and England, compiling a strong record with all wins by stoppage. His performances in Jungle Fight and other regional promotions laid the foundation for his UFC success.
Johnny Walker Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Johnny Walker is the older half-brother of Valter Walker, who also competes in the UFC’s heavyweight division. This family connection highlights a shared dedication to mixed martial arts within the Walker family.
Personal Life
Details about Johnny Walker’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He currently resides in Dublin, Ireland, where he continues his training and professional career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Johnny Walker remains an active competitor in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. He won a technical knockout victory over Zhang Mingyang in August 2025, earning another Performance of the Night award. Scheduled bouts earlier in the year were affected by injuries, leading to withdrawals from fights against Bogdan Guskov and Azamat Murzakanov. Despite these setbacks, Walker’s performances in 2025 demonstrate his continued presence and competitiveness in the division as he aims to climb the rankings and secure further high-profile wins.