Johnny Walker on not wearing Brazilian Reebok kit: ‘I love Brazil, but Brazil doesn’t help me’

Making his UFC debut as a relatively unknown fighter, Brazil’s Johnny Walker opened many eyes last weekend with his spectacular knockout of Khalil Rountree. At age 26, he seems like the kind of talent that can thrive in his division, giving some positive buzz after only one fight under the big lights.

What some may have missed is Walker showing up wearing the United Kingdom kit, not Brazil.

Walker isn’t a UK citizen, and only started fighting outside Brazil earlier this year. After the fight, Walker made it clear that despite his love for his native country, he just wasn’t able to achieve the financial stability to train full-time.

Walker had this to say regarding his willingness to rep those that stand by him, big or small (per MMA Fighting):

”It’s no businessman, just regular people (from England), family men who help me, send me money, find gyms for me to train,” Walker said. “We can’t get support from businessmen in Brazil. Regular people in England support me every day, that’s why I stay there.

”I’m a patriot man, I love Brazil, but Brazil doesn’t help me. I can’t stay in Brazil to train. Wherever I am, any other country, United States, China, if doors are open for me, I’ll carry their flag. Any country that helps me, I’ll carry their flag, that’s how it works. I have to show who’s supporting me.”

Living in Europe has allowed him to live like a combat sports athlete with the kind of environment and support to perform and earn his fifth win in 2018 alone. While his path to the UFC (and onto the radar of many fans overall) was slightly unconventional, he was able to make his way to Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. After impressing the brass, he’s really attempting to make the most of his time in the spotlight, which more fighters have realized can be surprisingly brief.

Some may take issue with this, but we’ve all seen examples of the economic realities of what it takes to succeed in this sport. Walker still has a willingness to compete under his country’s banner, but Brazilian companies, brands and independent sponsors will have to manifest themselves first. There’s no doubt that more entities will want to hitch their wagon to Walker, who can’t wait to get back into the cage with a quick turnaround.