After replacing two of its main event fighters, the UFC was on the verge of doing it again for the third time. Light Heavyweight fighter Johnny Walker almost made sure to give Dana White a stroke during the official faceoffs.
Through the past couple of weeks, two major fights on the UFC 294 card have been changed due to fighters facing serious injuries. Luckily, such was not the case with the bout between Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev. The two light heavyweights will be battling it out for a chance to fight for the title at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
After making weight during the ceremonial weigh-ins, both fighters met face-to-face one last time before their bout. While Ankalaev made it to the stage safely, Walker had some other plans. The Brazilian tripped while making it to the stage, almost injuring himself before the match.
However, a UFC official present on the scene managed to prevent Johnny from falling face-first as everyone laughed. Walker walked it off like nothing happened and continued with the event. While it may have seemed that the tripping was unintentional, this was not his first time faking a fall.
The 6’5″ athlete is known for being goofy and has faked a fall before during his faceoffs at UFC 244. Regardless, no one was injured then or now due to Walker’s comedic approach. However, the 31-year-old did manage to harm himself after one of his antics failed him.
Johnny Walker dislocates his elbow after winning a fight
Light Heavyweight fighter Johnny Walker is known for his sense of humor and antics inside and outside the octagon. While the Brazilian’s antics and comical nature are beloved by his fans, he once managed to harm himself due to it.
During the prelims of the UFC 235 PPV event in 2018, Walker fought Light Heavyweight fighter Misha Cirkunov. Johnny tried to come off as aggressive and faked a few strikes to lure his opponent. As Cirkunov tried to react, he was caught by a huge flying knee that knocked him on the canvas.
It was then followed up by a barrage of punches, and the referee intervened, separating the 21-7 fighter. After the huge knockout win, the 31-year-old celebrated his victory by doing the worm dance. However, it had to be cut short as Walker had dislocated his shoulder while performing the move.
Although this was not his first time performing the move, tragedy strikes at any time. Yet Johnny took the incident very casually and was seen laughing about his injury during his post-fight interview. “If I survive myself, I can survive anyone other,” said Walker.
Thankfully, the injury was not a serious one, and he was able to return to the octagon within 8 months. Do you think Johnny Walker will do the worm dance again if he wins against Magomed Ankalaev this weekend? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.