The UFC is close to finalizing an important fight in the light heavyweight division between Corey Anderson and Johnny Walker in November, sources told ESPN.
Both sides have verbally agreed to the matchup, which will take place at UFC 244 on Nov. 2 at Madison Square Garden. Anderson publicly challenged Walker recently on social media, and Walker was quick to respond. Walker was only waiting on final medical clearance, which he has now received, to book the fight.
The result of this fight figures to have an immediate impact on the 205-pound division.
Anderson (12-4) is on a three-fight win streak and has gone back and forth with champion Jon Jones on social media. Anderson has not fought in 2019 yet, in part due to the birth of his child. He fought three times in 2018.
Fighting out of Ricardo Almeida Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in New Jersey, Anderson is 9-4 overall in the UFC.
Walker (17-3) is a 27-year-old prospect from Brazil. He earned a UFC contract on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series in 2018 and quickly rattled off three first-round finishes over Khalil Rountree, Justin Ledet and Misha Cirkunov.
Walker has been out of action since March. He injured his right shoulder while celebrating the win over Cirkunov at UFC 235.
The UFC has not yet announced a main event for UFC 244.