Johnny Walker vs. Paul Craig targeted for UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro

Johnny Walker is coming home.

The UFC light heavyweight is being targeted to take part in the UFC’s return to Brazil. He’s expected to take on Paul Craig at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro. The event is set to go down Jan. 21 at Jeunesse Arena.

MMA Junkie confirmed the matchup Sunday following an initial report by Ag Fight.

UFC 283 marks the UFC’s 11th trip to Rio and 38th visit to Brazil overall. It will be the UFC’s first event in Brazil since the start of the pandemic.

Walker (19-7 MMA, 5-4 UFC) is coming off a submission win over Ion Cutelaba at UFC 279 in Las Vegas. It was a much-needed win for Walker, who entered UFC 279 on a two-fight skid and only 1-4 in his past five outings. Following the event, Walker asked to be placed on the Rio de Janeiro card.

Craig (16-5-1 MMA, 8-5-1 UFC) most recently fought at UFC Fight Night 208 in London, where lost a unanimous decision to former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. The loss snapped a six-fight unbeaten streak for Craig, which included five wins and a draw.

With the addition, the UFC 283 lineup now includes:

• Champ Deiveson Figueiredo vs. interim champ Brandon Moreno – to unify flyweight title
• Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brad Tavares
• Ihor Potieria vs. Mauricio Rua
• Gabriel Bonfim vs. Mounir Lazzez
• Zarah Fairn vs. Josiane Nunes
• Paul Craig vs. Johnny Walker