Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev’s fight came to a very weird and disappointing no-contest at UFC 294. The bout started with both contestants gauging each other and exchanging some strikes.
Very early in the round Ankalaev used his strengths and managed to get Johnny on the ground. While Walker made sure he did not get hit by any huge strikes, he was not able to get up. The Russian fighter then tried hitting his opponent with a knee to the body.
However, the 31-year-old missed his mark and blasted the knee to Johnny’s head instead. Kneeing a downed opponent to his head is considered an illegal move in UFC and fighters have lost their titles over it. The ringside physician who was already part of a separate controversial event that night entered the octagon to assess Johnny’s condition.
The bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker has been called a no contest after Walker was deemed unable to continue due to an illegal knee from Ankalaev. #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/Mvy6NwaDso
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 21, 2023
The Brazilian was quizzed with questions like what round the fight was in and the country he was competing in. While it is unclear what Walker told the doctor, he might have not understood the question. The 31-year-old was then deemed unfit to continue and the fight was waived off.
Walker still puzzled with the decision pushed both referees aside in order to continue the fight. Ankalaev himself wanted to continue with the fight due to which both fighters had to be restrained by security. In the end, UFC CEO Dana White himself entered the cage to calm things down.
Although the bout was declared a no-contest, White promised Johnny that he would sort things out. As of now many questions remain unanswered but will Johnny pushing a referee land him in trouble?
Will Johnny Walker receive a fine for pushing the referee?
After a disastrous end to a potentially entertaining fight both fans and fighters were left disappointed at UFC 294. Number 7 ranked light heavyweight fighter Johnny Walker was hit with an illegal knee to the head by Magomed Ankalaev. To check for any potential concussions Walker was even checked by a cage side physician.
However, the Brazilian was soon declared unfit to fight and the bout was immediately stopped. This decision made Johnny angry and he pushed the referee in an attempt to restart the fight. This led to both fighters being restrained before they almost started brawling despite the stoppage.
Soooo does Johnny Walker get fined $10k too? He put his hands on the ref worst than I did. Lol #UFC294
— Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) October 21, 2023
Although, Johnny was in a bizarre situation pushing a referee is not justified by UFC standards. Former UFC light heavyweight fighter Corey Anderson was fined $10,000 for laying hands on the referee once. Will Walker get the same punishment or more for what he did?
Chances are he might not be severely punished. White promised Walker that he would sort everything afterwards, which might indicate he does not agree with the no contest as well.
However, nothing solid can be said at the moment and only White has the answer as to what might happen next. Do you think Johnny gets fined for his actions in the octagon? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.