Valter Walker Vetoes Brother Fight in UFC Against Johnny Walker: "Wouldn't Feel Right" — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation: Two prominent Brazilian athletes within the UFC, Johnny Walker and Valter Walker made headlines in recent months, in part because they share a turbulent sibling relationship. But despite lately trading barbs online, apparently there is a clear limit delineated in family matters. And in the view of 'Foot Hunter', the frontier that shouldn't be crossed is that of an eventual fight between brothers in professional MMA.

In an exclusive interview with Ag Fight's reporting team, Valter, known for his provocations and sharp humor, backed off and completely vetoed the viability of facing his own brother in the world's most famous octagon. In the Brazilian's understanding who is based in Russia, squaring off against Johnny would permanently damage the relationship between the two — and without good reason. Furthermore, the younger of the family reinforced his admiration for his brother, one of his main encouragers to also enter the professional fighting career.

"I rag on him on social media, but sometimes people confuse it with something serious. I've come to blows with my brother my whole life, several times. In training, when we were kids. It's nothing new. But when you put it inside the octagon, with people watching, it can wound each other's ego. I wouldn't accept a fight with my brother because I respect him. He brought me into MMA. Everyone knows my name is Valter Ignácio, that Walker is a tribute to him. I'm a fan of his, I got into MMA because of him. So it's not something I'd feel good about doing. I feel good ragging on him (laughs), that kind of brother bullying. He's my brother, I love him. For me, it's not interesting to fight him. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am today. That's the truth. Trading real punches would damage us a lot," Valter stressed.

Approved Switch

The questioning about a fight between brothers arose since recently Johnny announced he will leave light heavyweight (93 kg) to start competing at heavyweight — Valter's category. Alert to the movement, the 'Foot Hunter' approved his brother's career management and indicated the switch tends to put an end to Johnny's rough patch.

"He made the right call (going to heavyweight). I was chatting with him, and they offered him a good fight now at heavyweight. I can't talk about who yet, because he hasn't signed the contract. But it's a good fight, kind of a scrub, so he can grab, win. He's going to do well at heavyweight. He made the right choice, about time. Now it's going to work out," projected the Rio native based in Russia.

Family Feud?

At the end of 2025, Johnny Walker revealed in an interview on the 'Direto de Vegas' podcast, an Ag Fight project, that the distance between him and Valter isn't just geographic, but is connected to episodes he classified as disrespectful. According to the fighter based in Las Vegas, comments made by his brother involving his mother and his wife had crossed the line of "jokes", causing wear on the family environment.

Valter, in turn, responded days later and showed displeasure with the public airing of grievances. Without denying the previous statements, he stated he too had been the target of his brother on other occasions, but chose not to make such episodes public. Months later, the 'Foot Hunter's' recent statement that was more harmonious and respectful may indicate that the relationship between the Brazilian fighters has improved and was restored.

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Source: AG Fight — read the original