Johnny Walker Seeks UFC Title Shot After Dominick Reyes Fight

A win over former title challenger Reyes could put Walker back in the light heavyweight title picture.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and intensity of a UFC light heavyweight fight, with sharp planes of navy, green, and red colliding across the canvas.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes light heavyweight clash between Johnny Walker and Dominick Reyes, as both fighters seek to climb back into title contention.Today in Miami

Johnny Walker, a former top-5 light heavyweight contender, is looking to get back into the UFC title picture with a win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 327 in Miami. Walker has only one win in the past three years, but believes that a victory over the former title challenger Reyes could put him in position for a shot at the newly crowned light heavyweight champion.

Why it matters

Walker is hoping to capitalize on the unpredictable nature of the UFC light heavyweight division, where fighters can sometimes earn title shots without lengthy winning streaks. His knockout win over Zhang Mingyang in his last fight showed he still has the finishing ability that made him a rising contender a few years ago.

The details

Walker (22-9 MMA, 8-6 UFC) is set to take on Dominick Reyes (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) on the UFC 327 main card at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Reyes challenged for the light heavyweight title in 2020 and gave then-champion Jon Jones one of his toughest fights. A win over Reyes could erase the memory of Walker's back-to-back knockout losses to Magomed Ankalaev and Volkan Oezdemir in 2024.

  • Walker last won a fight in August 2025.
  • Reyes last challenged for the UFC light heavyweight title in 2020.

The players

Johnny Walker

A former top-5 light heavyweight contender in the UFC looking to get back into title contention.

Dominick Reyes

A former UFC light heavyweight title challenger who is looking to get back into the title picture with a win over Walker.

Magomed Ankalaev

The current UFC light heavyweight champion, who defeated Walker by knockout in 2024.

Volkan Oezdemir

A former UFC light heavyweight title challenger who also defeated Walker by knockout in 2024.

Jiri Prochazka

The former UFC light heavyweight champion who recently vacated the title to move up to heavyweight.

Carlos Ulberg

The fighter who will face Prochazka for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title.

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What they’re saying

“Winning streaks are not everything. Khalil Rountree fought (for the title) when he was (No.) 8. I've been No. 5, and I haven't had a title shot yet.”

— Johnny Walker, UFC Fighter

“I know my potential, and I believe two wins against two good guys, or three, can put me in a really good spot.”

— Johnny Walker, UFC Fighter

What’s next

If Walker defeats Reyes at UFC 327, he will likely be in position to challenge for the UFC light heavyweight title against the winner of the Prochazka vs. Ulberg fight.

The takeaway

Walker's path back to title contention shows the unpredictable nature of the UFC light heavyweight division, where fighters can sometimes earn title shots without lengthy winning streaks. His fight against Reyes is a crucial opportunity for Walker to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.