Johnny Walker medically cleared for UFC return, eyes Glover Teixeira or Aleksandar Rakic

Now that Johnny Walker has been medically cleared to return to mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, perhaps he can finally quit those “goofy celebrations,” like the one that injured him in the wake of his UFC 235 win over Misha Cirkunov.

The 17-3 light heavyweight is currently ranked No. 12 at 205 pounds, one spot behind fellow budding prospect, Aleksandar Rakic, and two places away from veteran slugger Glover Teixeira, a pair of opponents currently on the Brazilian’s radar.

“A Top 10 fighter is what we have been talking with the UFC about,” manager Lucas Lutkus told ESPN. “He is No. 10 now with (Alexander) Gustafsson and (Jimi) Manuwa retired, so it is what makes sense. Honestly, Johnny will take on any name offered. Be it a vet like Glover (Teixeira) or a prospect like (Dominick) Reyes or (Aleksandar) Rakic, he loves every possibility of matchup.”

Walker, who turned 27 back in March, is a perfect 3-0 inside the Octagon after graduating from Dana White’s Contender Series back in Aug. 2018. Aside from his destruction of Cirkunov, the 6’5” slugger laid waste to both Justin Ledet and Khalil Rountree.

He also got some press for calling out reigning light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, but we’re still light years away from that match up, unless Walker can somehow steamroll a Top 5 opponent within the next six months.