Johnny Walker is proud of what he was able to get done in his return to the cage.
The UFC light heavyweight contender picked up a win over former title challenger Anthony Smith in the co-main event of UFC on ABC 4. Walker (21-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC) defeated Smith (36-18 MMA, 11-8 UFC) in a unanimous decision to improve his winning streak to three in a row.
And almost 30 fights into his professional MMA career, Walker believes Saturday’s win was the best in his career.
“I think it’s the best, right?,” Walker said at the UFC on ABC 4 post-fight press conference. “I never fought someone in the top five, so this is my best performance until now. I know I can do better. That’s why. I come back to the gym this weekend and keep training and keep improving. The next time, I want to fight better than this time.”
Walker and Smith had a tense build up to their contest in Charlotte. It was not clear what the reason was, but it was seen throughout fight week and in the fight itself.
The Brazilian says he’s got nothing personal against Smith and is thankful to have shared the octagon with him.
“I don’t think there was any tension,” Walker said. “I hate nobody. It’s my job. … I’m very grateful that I fought him. He’s a great fighter, and he’s been in the top 10 and top five for a long time, you know. He gave me a really good experience, and I’m happy I got to fight him and show that I’m ready for the next step.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 4.