Johnny Walker eyes heavyweight clash with Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 124

Johnny Walker will meet top-ranked heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta in the main event of UFC Vegas 124 on Saturday, five weeks after his flying-knee knockout of Mick Parkin at UFC 332. Both fighters accepted the bout on eight days’ notice after the original headliner was cancelled due to Sean Brady’s injury.

"I’m ready. I hope ‘Salsa Boy’ is ready too, just like I am," Walker told MMA Fighting. "I’m hungry. I have two kids to feed at home now, so I have to be ready all the time."

Walker said he had limited time to study Cortes-Acosta but noted the Brazilian’s strong jab and overhand, recalling his recent fight against Derrick Lewis. He added that Cortes-Acosta has not faced a fighter who combines movement, kicks, knees, elbows, wrestling and jiu-jitsu the way Walker does.

"Of course I’m big, athletic, and I have a huge advantage over anyone in the division at range because I’m big and I can kick, punch, and move," Walker said. "I train a lot of jiu-jitsu, a lot of wrestling, a lot of takedowns. I have other weapons, and it’s just a matter of using them now."

Cortes-Acosta, who has lost recent decisions to Alexander Volkov and Curtis Blaydes, will be a familiar opponent for Walker, who has fought Volkov in training and may have the Russian in his corner at the event.

"I’ve had 17 fights in the UFC, five main events, so there’s nothing that surprises me anymore," Walker said. "I’ve never been submitted in the UFC, but I’ve been submitted in my career. I know what works."

A win would make Walker 2-0 in the heavyweight division and could place him among the contenders for the title later in the year, Walker said, adding that he is prepared to wait for the right opportunity.

"If the opportunity comes, I’ll take it. But if not, I’m also willing to wait another year or two," he said.