Gift Walker Eyes Future Challenges following UAE Warriors bout

“UAE Warriors is one of the top-three promotions in the world. I believe the promotion is the final step a fighter takes before breaking into the UFC. They have tough fighters, and they are, without question, one of the best-run promotions in the world, in respect to their hospitality towards us as fighters.”

“I’ve learned so much from that fight, and I think this is when I start to excel because I’ve been expected to win my whole life. Every loss that I’ve endured has made me a much better fighter.

“This crazy discipline is one of the most dangerous sports in the world, and I know anything can happen, but it is a case of high-risk, high-reward, and I’m willing to take that risk.”

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The man who fights out of ‘House of Tinkerbell’ says he does not have a contract with UAE Warriors, but instead receives one-fight deals, whereas with the EFC, the former Champion still needs to see out his 5-fight contract.

Walker revealed his plans for the immediate future exclusively to SABC Sport…

“I think I’ve got one or two fights left on my current deal, but I know that I should be fighting for the EFC title next year. I’m looking to fight in December, and bang it out again in April, and after that I’ll be looking for some mega international fights.”

The 26-year-old started his MMA journey at the age of 12, and fell in love with the fight game from the get-go, as it was only in his second year of amateur competition that he managed to win his first South African title.

Walker met his current coach, JP Kruger, when he was 14, and he has been with his mentor ever since. He admits that having an older brother-type figure has kept him motivated in the sport.

“I’ve trained with other coaches, and I’ve rolled at other teams, but there is only one place for me, and that is here with JP.”

Walker still has his sights firmly set on becoming a multiple-organisation two-division champion.

“Winning titles is the main thing for me. I’ve done well so far in my career, but I’m nowhere near finished.

“If you are not fighting to become a world champion in an organisation like the UFC, then I think you’re in the wrong sport.”

The electric fighter has won fight fans’ hearts over the years, not through championships, but by delivering entertaining performances for the crowd.

Walker is amped to add more achievements to his resume and continue dishing out more thrilling performances.