UFC

UFC Fight Night Shanghai: Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang Headlines Event

By LockerRoom Team August 22, 2025

UFC returns to China with UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang, headlined by a light heavyweight clash between veteran Johnny Walker and rising contender Zhang Mingyang.

Walker (21-8), known for his unpredictable striking and Octagon experience, looks to halt the momentum of China’s Mingyang (17-6), who steps into his first UFC main event just three fights into his promotional career.

Co-Main Event: Ortega vs. Sterling at Catchweight

The co-main event features a pivotal matchup between featherweight standouts Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling. The fight will now take place at a catchweight of 155 pounds after Ortega weighed in at 153, above the featherweight limit. Sterling initially hit 146 pounds but agreed to move up, keeping the bout intact.

Ortega, a perennial contender with highlight-reel finishes, aims to stay close to the title picture. Sterling, the former bantamweight champion, makes a high-profile return as he seeks to make a statement in Shanghai.

Chinese Fighters Spotlight

The card also showcases a strong lineup of Chinese talent:

  • Sumudaerji, “The Tibetan Eagle,” returns in a flyweight bout against Kevin Borjas.

  • Taiyilake, a knockout artist from Sichuan, makes his UFC debut against Kiefer Crosbie at welterweight.

  • Maheshate, China’s first Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner, faces Gauge Young in a lightweight clash.

  • Rongzhu takes on Austin Hubbard at lightweight as he looks to start a winning streak.

  • Yizha, a Road to UFC featherweight veteran, battles submission specialist Westin Wilson.

  • Xiao Long, Season 2 Road to UFC bantamweight finalist, meets Season 3 winner SuYoung You of South Korea.

UFC Fight Night Shanghai Card Updates

  • Main Event: Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang – Light Heavyweight Bout

  • Co-Main Event: Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling – Catchweight (155 pounds)

  • Additional Chinese and international prospects round out the action-packed card.

UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises a mix of veteran star power and rising talent, with Walker vs. Zhang serving as a pivotal clash in the light heavyweight division.