UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang 8/23/2025
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Preview
The UFC returns to mainland China for the first time since 2017 with UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang on August 23, 2025. This event marks a major milestone as the promotion reignites its presence in Shanghai, bringing a stacked card featuring explosive light heavyweight talent. Johnny Walker, known for his reach and striking creativity, faces dangerous knockout artist Zhang Mingyang—an undefeated rising star—while the co-main puts two elite grapplers, Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling, in a catchweight clash.
Match Card
Main Card (ESPN+, approx. 6 a.m. ET):
- Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang — Light Heavyweight Main Event
- Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling — Featherweight Catchweight Co-Main (153 lbs)
- Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta — Heavyweight
- Sumudaerji vs. Kevin Borjas — Flyweight
- Taiyilake Nueraji vs. Kiefer Crosbie — Welterweight
Preliminary Card (ESPN+, approx. 3 a.m. ET):
- Maheshate Hayisaer vs. Gauge Young — Lightweight
- Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Charles Johnson — Flyweight
- Additional bouts include Michel Pereira vs. Kyle Daukaus, Rongzhu vs. Austin Hubbard, Yizha vs. Westin Wilson, Long Xiao vs. Su Young You, and Diyar Nurgozhay vs. Uran Satybaldiev.
Date & Location
- Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Venue: Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Shanghai, China
Conclusion
In a high-stakes return to Shanghai, Zhang Mingyang steps up as the emerging force in the main event, bringing his perfect UFC streak and explosive first-round finishes against veteran Johnny Walker. Meanwhile, the Ortega–Sterling matchup—now at lightweight due to Ortega’s weigh-in complications—adds a strategic grappling contrast to the bill. Heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta promise raw strength, while regional talents in the flyweight and welterweight divisions round out a global card that spotlights both established stars and rising prospects.