Johnny Walker reveals Valter's crude online jokes wounded his wife and mother

UFC heavyweight Johnny Walker has spoken candidly about the tension in his relationship with stepbrother and fellow UFC heavyweight Valter Walker, revealing that a string of crude online jokes directed at his wife and mother have left lasting emotional damage.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Johnny explained the unusual family dynamic that connects the two fighters. Their shared father left Johnny and his mother in Brazil to start a new family in Russia with Valter’s mother — a separation that Johnny says he never allowed to define their bond. “I always try to go see him on holidays or sometimes on the weekend as well,” he said.

Despite that goodwill, Johnny made clear that Valter’s online behaviour has strained the relationship. “[Our relationship] could be closer if he respected my mom and wife more than he does,” he told Helwani. “He has a bad sense of humor. He talks sh*t sometimes.”

Johnny went on to detail specific comments Valter had made publicly, including a remark that their father had slept with his mother, a suggestion that Johnny’s wife would be unfaithful if he lost a fight in China, a challenge to fight each other with the winner sleeping with the loser’s wife, and a jibe about the size of Johnny’s son’s head. “That’s not a good thing to do for clicks,” Johnny said. “He stopped now… But what he did in the past hurts people’s hearts.”

Valter responded to the interview on X with a brief but warm message: “Love you, Johnny. Thanks for all you do for me, for my life.”

Despite both men competing in the UFC’s heavyweight division, Johnny has ruled out any possibility of the brothers fighting each other.

On the professional side, Johnny (24-10, 1 NC) has been in strong form since moving up to heavyweight, recording knockout victories over Mick Parkin and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Valter carries an impressive 16-1 record.