“Everything’s about consistency and maturity,” Walker said. “I’ve gotten more mature, learned about myself. I did a lot of mistakes before, so I don’t repeat the same mistakes. I’m smarter, more mature, have more experience and I’m in my prime, as well, so everything’s coming together. I just have to keep moving forward and never quit. I will get there sooner or later.”
Fight By Fight Preview | UFC 283: Teixeira vs Hill
At UFC 279: Diaz vs Ferguson, Walker faced Ion Cutelaba, a six-year UFC veteran whose career has suffered a similar inconsistency in recent years. This time around, Walker put all his skills on display.
Finding himself on his back early, Walker reversed positions halfway through the opening round and started going to work. Walker transitioned to Cutelaba’s back, hunting for a rear naked choke. With 30 seconds to go in the first, Walker sunk the choke in, forcing the tap. Walker, breakdancing his way back to his corner, got the win he so desperately needed, providing him a spark to help aid his resurgence and return to the light heavyweight Top 15.