Why Brazil’s Johnny Walker walked out wearing British Reebok kit

When the UFC ended sponsor-branded apparel and banners, it sucked much of the life out of Brazilian mixed martial arts, to the point there was precious little sponsorship left. Brazilian light heavyweight Johnny Walker had an incredible debut at UFC Fight Night 140, crushing Khalil Rountree in Round 1, his seventh win in a row. The fighter lives in England and walked out to the Octagon wearing a United Kingdom Reebok kit, not the colors of his home country.

I hope someone sees me now, because no one saw me before, said Walker to Guilherme Cruz for MMA Fighting. There was no social media posts about me, no Instagram photos, people were talking about Rountree only, and now I think someone can see me. Invest in me, guys, I’m here. I got here without any support, so imagine if I had it. And there are many more like me, with no opportunity. That’s what’s lacking, people humble enough to look at the future inside of everyone, but nobody does.

Just regular people [from England], family men help me, send me money, find gyms for me to train. We can’t get support from businessmen in Brazil. Regular people in England support me every day, that’s why I stay there.

I’m a patriot man, I love Brazil, but Brazil doesn’t help me. I can’t stay in Brazil to train. Wherever I am, any other country, United States, China, if doors are open for me, I’ll carry their flag. Any country that helps me, I’ll carry their flag, that’s how it works. I have to show who’s supporting me.

I’ll continue to train, wait, and be ready for anyone, as quick as possible. Can we do it next week?