Johnny Walker: I need ‘one or two more wins’ but ‘I’m ready to beat Jon Jones’

Bloodyelbow.com

Ever since he won Dana White’s Contender Series in Brazil last August, light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker has been making waves in the UFC. His recent three fights over the last four months against Khalil Rountree, Justin Ledet, and Misha Cirkunov all ended via first-round TKO, along with Performance of the Night Bonuses.

Walker may still be a few notches below the totem pole, which he recognizes. But given the confidence he holds on his skillset, he feels he is ready to take on bigger challenges, including a fight against Jon Jones.

“Man, I think that one or two more (wins is enough), but I’m ready to fight Jon Jones already,” Walker told reporters at UFC 237 on Saturday (via MMA Fighting). “All I need is to recover my shoulder and have a decent camp. But I’m ready. I have enough technique and experience for that. I don’t think he has anything to surprise me.

“I’m ready to beat Jon Jones. Now,” he added. ‘Anyone they put (against me), I’ll accept it, but I’d rather fight someone from the top 5 next. But if it’s a top 10, that’s okay, I’m the No. 12 now. I’ll accept anyone that’s ahead of me, but I want to beat Jon Jones.

“But I have to go slowly, I don’t want to take anyone’s spot. Many people deserve it more than me, I still have a lot to show, and I will conquer my space.”

The 27-year-old Rio de Janeiro native currently holds a win-loss slate of 17-3 (with 16 wins by stoppage).