UFC Shanghai Walker vs Zhang
The evening is headlined by a light heavyweight showdown between Brazil’s *Johnny Walker* and China’s rising star **Zhang Mingyang**. Walker, a former Top 15 contender, arrives on a rough patch, suffering back-to-back stoppage losses and entering this bout looking to revitalize his career. On the opposite side stands Zhang—nicknamed "Mountain Tiger"—boasting an undefeated UFC run filled exclusively with first-round finishes, including a recent brutal stoppage of veteran Anthony Smith. The fight features a classic physical mismatch: Walker possesses significant size and reach advantages (6'6", 82–82.3″ reach) compared to Zhang (6'2", \~75.5″ reach), but Zhang’s aggressive style and knockout accuracy make him the betting favorite heading into Shanghai.
The supporting main card also includes a mouthwatering co-main event: featherweight contenders *Brian Ortega* versus *Aljamain Sterling**, a clash of grappling pedigree and submission threats—Sterling favored for his ground control, though Ortega’s resilience could make it competitive. Also penciled in are three additional bouts: **Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes‑Acosta* in heavyweight, projected as a potential knockout duel with Pavlovich favored; *Sumudaerji vs. Kevin Borjas* in flyweight, with technical striker Sumudaerji considered the safer pick for a decision win; and debuting Chinese welterweight\*\* Taiyilake Nueraji vs. Kiefer Crosbie\*\*, where Nueraji is heavily backed to win via early finish . Together, these matchups round out what promises to be an explosive and culturally significant UFC return to Shanghai. LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/AJLetsTalkSports
