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Valter Walker isn't buying the hype surrounding fellow Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweights Josh Hokit and Gable Steveson.
The Brazilian contender, who is set to collide with Thomas Petersen at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, dismissed both rising heavyweights in a recent interview, asserting that neither fighter has done enough in their careers to convince him that they are serious threats.
Valter Walker says Josh Hokit fight could headline a UFC card
Walker, who has won four of his past five fights, told MMA Fighting he would gladly take on either Hokit or Steveson next after his upcoming fight.
"I don't think he's a tough fight for me," Walker said when asked about Hokit. "Honestly, I don't think he's the fighter people are making him out to be. Come on, he's small. I'm not intimidated by that guy at all. Gable Steveson, Josh Hokit. People say, ‘He's a monster, an Olympic wrestling champion.' Man, I watched Gable's debut, and I wasn't that impressed. I didn't get all the hype."
Walker then further asserted his willingness to fight either American heavyweight.
"I'm not scared of Josh Hokit or Gable Steveson one bit," he added. "If that's the next fight, bring it on. It can be Gable Steveson, Josh Hokit, Vitor Petrino. I'll take all of them. If I win this Saturday, book me against any of those guys next."
"The Foot Hunter" claims that a potential fight with Hokit would generate significant interest.
"We're talking co-main event or even main event, because of all the trash we'd talk to each other."
Walker questions the UFC's rising heavyweight prospects before UFC Abu Dhabi
Walker also believes that fighting Steveson would be a great opportunity, given his wrestling background and ties to former UFC two-division champion Jon Jones.
"Can you imagine?" Walker said. "I beat him, climb on the cage, and spit in Jon Jones' face. Damn! People holding Jon Jones back while I'm screaming that I'm the GOAT and telling Jon Jones to go f*ck himself. All the hype would come my way. It's an opportunity."
Steveson enjoyed a successful UFC debut at UFC 329, finishing Elisha Ellison in the first round, while Hokit extended his perfect record by beating Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250. Walker poses a threat to both Americans, given his grappling prowess, having submitted his last four opponents.
