Johnny Walker Confident in Heavyweight Move After Sparring With Francis Ngannou

UFC light heavyweight contender sees opportunity to make jump to heavyweight division.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:05am

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A dynamic, neon-colored painting depicting two muscular MMA fighters engaged in a high-intensity sparring session, their movements captured in a blur of vibrant brushstrokes that convey the raw power and athleticism of the sport.The explosive energy of a heavyweight sparring session between UFC stars Johnny Walker and Francis Ngannou hints at the potential of Walker's looming move to the heavyweight division.Las Vegas Today

UFC light heavyweight fighter Johnny Walker is seriously considering a move up to the heavyweight division after sparring with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Walker has struggled with the weight cut to 205 pounds and believes he can be more competitive at heavyweight, where he won't have to worry about depleting himself during fight week. A win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 327 could put Walker in title contention at light heavyweight, but he's already eyeing a potential heavyweight fight if the opportunity arises.

Why it matters

Walker's potential move to heavyweight could shake up two UFC divisions. As a light heavyweight, he's on the cusp of title contention, but the weight cut has taken a toll. A jump to heavyweight would give him a new challenge and potentially open up fresh matchups against some of the division's top stars.

The details

Walker has sparred extensively with Ngannou in preparation for his fight against Reyes at UFC 327. Despite a 44-pound weight difference between the two, Walker has held his own in the wrestling, strength, and ground-and-pound aspects of their training sessions. This has given Walker confidence that he can be successful at heavyweight, where he won't have to worry about the rigors of a difficult weight cut.

  • Walker is scheduled to fight Dominick Reyes at UFC 327 on April 12, 2026.
  • Walker has been sparring with Francis Ngannou in the lead-up to the Reyes fight.

The players

Johnny Walker

A UFC light heavyweight contender who is considering a move up to the heavyweight division after struggling with weight cuts at 205 pounds.

Francis Ngannou

The former UFC heavyweight champion, who has been training and sparring with Walker in preparation for his upcoming fight.

Dominick Reyes

Walker's opponent at UFC 327, a former light heavyweight title challenger.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thinking about it because the diet has been rough. If there's an opportunity, if a heavyweight fight gets cancelled or anything, I'm in.”

— Johnny Walker, UFC Fighter

“I've been training with Francis Ngannou, sparring with him. Even while dieting, with about a 44-pound difference since I'm much lighter now, I've been able to train with him just fine. Even in wrestling, strength, and ground-and-pound. If I can do that while dieting, imagine without it?”

— Johnny Walker, UFC Fighter

What’s next

If Walker defeats Dominick Reyes at UFC 327, he could be in line for a title eliminator bout at light heavyweight. However, Walker has indicated that he is seriously considering a move up to heavyweight, and could take a heavyweight fight if the opportunity arises, even before his fight against Reyes.

The takeaway

Johnny Walker's potential move to heavyweight could be a game-changer for the UFC. As a light heavyweight contender, he's on the verge of title contention, but the weight cut has taken a toll. A jump to heavyweight would give him a new challenge and potentially open up fresh matchups against some of the division's top stars.