Big changes are coming for Johnny Walker. For the first time in his UFC career, the towering 6-foot-5 Brazilian striker won't have to worry about cutting weight. Walker (22-10, 1 NC) is moving up to the heavyweight division—a weight class he hasn't competed in since 2018, before his UFC run began. Known for walking around at around 245 pounds, the 34-year-old has never missed weight in the promotion, but the grueling cuts are now a thing of the past.

According to reports from MMA Mania on Thursday, Walker will face Ante Delija (26-8) at UFC Belgrade on August 1. Delija confirmed the matchup on his Instagram Stories the following day. This fight comes at a critical time for both athletes, who are looking to bounce back after tough stretches in their careers.

Walker has struggled recently, winning just once in his last five fights. After a no-contest with future champion Magomed Ankalaev in 2023—and a rematch that ended badly for Walker just months later—the Brazilian managed a single victory, stopping surging prospect Mingyang Zhang with leg kicks and punches. Most recently, he and Dominick Reyes went the distance in a lackluster three-round affair at UFC 327, with the former title challenger taking a split decision. Notably, 20 of Walker's 22 career wins have come inside the distance, highlighting his finishing power.

Delija, nicknamed "Walking Trouble," has also hit a rough patch. After returning to the promotion from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) last September with a stunning two-minute knockout of Marcin Tybura, his momentum quickly stalled. Two months later, he was stopped in four minutes by rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and a decision loss to Serghei Spivac in February marked the first losing streak of his career. For both fighters, this heavyweight showdown in Belgrade represents a chance to get back on track.