The Unexpected Turn of Events
Valter Walker’s fight against Don’Tale Mayes at UFC Vegas 102 this past weekend in Las Vegas was a quick and decisive affair, but it wasn’t exactly what Walker had in mind as he stepped into the octagon. Prior to the event, Walker had meticulously planned his strategy, envisioning a more drawn-out and dynamic battle. He told MMA Fighting that he intended to trade blows on the feet for about three minutes before attempting takedowns. However, things didn’t go as planned. Just over a minute into the fight, Walker found himself on the ground, where he secured a quick submission with a heel hook, marking his second consecutive finish in the UFC with this technique.
The Weight and Strength Factor
Walker’s surprise was palpable as Mayes, who likely weighed around 275 pounds, went down with ease. Walker, who was significantly lighter at 247 pounds, initially anticipated a more challenging opponent. "I thought he would be strong and heavy, but I shot and didn’t feel his strength at all. He went down like a sack of potatoes," Walker explained. This unexpected turn left Walker questioning whether he should have stayed on his feet. "I kept thinking, should I get back up? I thought I would go for the submission, because if he defended, we would get back up and brawl. But once I secured the position, he tapped almost immediately. I couldn’t believe it. It was over so fast. I trained so hard and didn’t show anything."
A Vow to Improve
Despite the victory, Walker is not entirely satisfied with his performance. With a record now standing at 2-1 in the UFC and 13-1 as a professional with nine stoppages to his name, he recognizes the need to diversify his skill set. "It’s a problem I have, and I’ll fix it," Walker pledged. "I’ll work on my striking, dedicate more time to boxing. It’s a deficiency in my game. I say I’ll trade on the feet, but then I get there and see an opening for the takedown and go for it. I hit pads, I hit the bag, I do kickboxing and boxing sparring, but I also train wrestling a lot. I can’t explain it, I love wrestling more, but I’ll fix this deficiency for my next fight. Guys, I promise to show my striking more next time."
The Challenges of Long-Distance Fighting
The journey to Las Vegas was a grueling one for Walker. He and his team endured a 39-hour trip from Moscow, a demanding ordeal that took a toll on his preparation. Adding to the challenge, Walker’s wife and head coach, both Russians, were unable to accompany him due to visa issues. "I’m not complaining," Walker noted, "but it was tough not having my wife and coach around during fight week. They are an integral part of my training and mental preparation. It’s not the same without them."
A World Traveler in the Octagon
Despite the adversities, Walker is open to competing anywhere in the world. He expressed a preference for locations closer to home, such as Saudi Arabia or Dubai, which are just a four-hour flight away. "But if I have to fight in London, Brazil, Las Vegas again, Canada, Australia, I don’t mind," he said. Walker, who previously fought in Australia, recounted the experience of contending with a hostile crowd. "I fought last time in Australia, far away from home, and had the crowd against me. It made my mind stronger, so I really don’t care where the fights take me."
Looking Forward
Walker is optimistic about his future in the UFC and is already setting his sights on the next challenge. He emphasized that he is physically and mentally ready for a quick turnaround. "I’m good to go following the win. I’m focusing on recovery and making sure I’m in top shape for my next fight," Walker stated. His resilience and adaptability, honed through past international bouts and long-distance travel, will undoubtedly serve him well as he continues to climb the ranks and refine his game.
