Over the weekend (Sat. March 2, 2019) Johnny Walker continued his rise in the light heavyweight division. He made quick work of Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235 with a flying knee knockout in just under 40 seconds. However, his post-fight celebration resulted in a shoulder injury.
According to Walker’s manager, Lucas Lutkus, per MMA Fighting, the young Brazilian only suffered a mild shoulder injury. He will be able to return to action in a month. His injury is being labeled as a Hill-Sachs deformity. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has given Walker a six-month medical suspension until cleared by an orthopedic physician. When he’s ready to return, it sounds like the Walker camp has a huge fight in mind.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reports that Walker will undergo a four-week rehab for his shoulder. The 26-year-old is targeting a May or June return. Ideally, he’d like to face Alexander Gustafsson in his own backyard at the Stockholm card in June:
“Johnny Walker just got his MRI results back. Per his manager, he has a mild shoulder injury. He’ll need four weeks of rehab. They’re shooting for a return in May or June and are interested in fighting Alexander Gustafsson in Stockholm, his manager said.”
Johnny Walker just got his MRI results back. Per his manager, he has a mild shoulder injury. He’ll need four weeks of rehab. They’re shooting for a return in May or June and are interested in fighting Alexander Gustafsson in Stockholm, his manager said.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 5, 2019
Given Dana White’s recent comments, however, a fight against Gustafsson doesn’t seem likely for Walker at this point of his career.
What do you think about Walker and Gustafsson possibly fighting on the Stockholm card?
