11 hours ago
Johnny Walker-Zhang Mingyang headlines fight night as UFC returns to Shanghai after 8 years
The
UFC
is making its long-awaited return to Shanghai after eight years on Saturday (August 23), with Brazilian
Johnny Walker
set to face China's own
Zhang Mingyang
in the headline bout.
Walker, known for his explosive style and unpredictable striking, will look to reassert himself in the
light heavyweight division
. Meanwhile, Zhang, a rising star and hometown favorite, will aim to make a statement in front of a passionate Chinese crowd.
The card promises to showcase local talent alongside international names, marking a milestone for the UFC's expansion in Asia. Fans can expect fireworks when Walker and Zhang clash at
Shanghai Indoor Stadium
's octagon.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Undo
— ufc (@ufc)
Walker entered
UFC Shanghai
nearly seven years into his promotional run, firmly established as a Top-15 light heavyweight. The Brazilian has struggled recently, dropping his last two fights and now fighting to avoid a fourth straight winless outing. Despite the setbacks, Walker's wealth of experience makes him a dangerous test for rising contenders.
Live Events
— ufc (@ufc)
His opponent, Mingyang, has quickly emerged as one of the division's most exciting prospects. The 26-year-old 'Mountain Tiger' has stormed into the rankings with three consecutive first-round finishes, including a brutal performance that retired veteran Anthony Smith.
This weekend's clash is pivotal as Walker needs a rebound to stay relevant, while Zhang looks to solidify his status as a future title contender. With both men carrying knockout power and a penchant for highlight finishes, this fight promises fireworks and could be decided by whoever lands cleanly first.
The Saturday's stacked fight card spotlights some of the region's top emerging talents.
HOW TO WATCH UFC FIGHT NIGHT 257 IN US
Event: UFC FIGHT NIGHT 257
Preliminary Card Start Time: 3AM ET
Main Card Start Time: 6AM ET
Venue: Shanghai Indoor Stadium, China
Channel/Streaming: ESPN+
UFC SHANGHAI MAIN CARD MATCHES
Johnny Walker vs Zhang Mingyang
Brian Ortega vs Aljamain Sterling
Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes Acosta
Sumudaerji vs Kevin Borjas
Kiefer Crosbie vs Taiyilake Nueraji
UFC SHANGHAI PRELIMINARY CARD MATCHES
Maheshate vs Gauge Young
Lone'er Kavanagh vs Charles Johnson
Rongzhu vs Austin Hubbard
Michel Pereira vs Kyle Daukaus
Yizha vs Westin Wilson
Xiao Long vs SuYoung You
Uran Satybaldiev vs Diyar Nurgozhay
