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UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang
(August 23, 2025) marks the return of the UFC to China after 8 years.
Full fight card, analysis of the fighters, predictions, and how this event could change the future of MMA in Asia.
Introduction:
A night that could change UFC in Asia
History will be made when the UFC steps into the Shanghai Indoor Stadium on August 23, 2025.
For the first time in nearly eight years, the UFC is returning to Mainland China, bringing a fight card that includes legendary names, local heroes, and international talent.
At the top, Brazilian light heavyweight Johnny Walker will face China’s hot prospect Zhang Mingyang, who has a chance to shock the MMA world in front of his home crowd.
But this event isn’t just about a fight—it’s about UFC’s global expansion.
With the Performance Institute in Shanghai, the promotion has invested heavily in developing Chinese fighters.
Now, the stage is set for a night where local stars will shine under the brightest lights.
Main Event Highlights:
Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang
Johnny Walker:
The Unpredictable Showman
Johnny Walker is one of those fighters who is hard to predict.
Standing 6’6” tall and with an 82-inch reach, Walker is one of the most impressive fighters in the light heavyweight division.
Known for his flying knees, spinning attack, and unorthodox striking, Walker can end a fight in seconds.
Record: 21-9 (17 wins by knockout)
Nationality: Brazilian
Strengths: Explosive striking, reach advantage, creativity in attack
Weaknesses: Defensive lapses, questionable chin, inconsistency
Despite the great moments, Walker’s UFC career has been full of ups and downs.
He entered the promotion with a highlight-reel knockout, but has since struggled against top contenders like Corey Anderson and Jamahal Hill.
For Walker, this fight is more than a main event—it’s a chance to prove he’s still one of the top light heavyweights.
Zhang Mingyang:
The Emerging Chinese Powerhouse
Nicknamed the “Mountain Tiger,”
Zhang Mingyang represents the next generation of Chinese MMA fighters.
At just 27 years old, he’s known for knockout power and relentless pressure.
Fighting in front of his home crowd in Shanghai, Zhang has a chance to transform himself from a prospect to a star.
Record: 17-6 (13 wins by knockout/takeoff)
Nationality: Chinese
Strengths: Strong hands, durability, crowd enthusiasm
Weaknesses: Lack of experience against top-level opponents, grappling issues
What makes Zhang dangerous is not just the power of his punches, but also his willingness to take risks.
He specializes in fights where one punch can change everything.
Against a taller and ranged opponent like Walker, Zhang will need to close the distance and turn the contest into a bruising contest.
Co-main event:
Song Yadong vs. Jonathan Martinez
The co-main bout is equally exciting. Song Yadong, often referred to as “The Kung Fu Kid,” is one of China’s brightest UFC stars.
Combining his speed, great boxing and knockout power, Song has quickly risen up the bantamweight rankings.
Jonathan Martinez, on the other hand, comes with his technical, volume-based striking style.
Martinez is patient, calculated and has a deadly kicking style. This bout has the potential to turn heads.
Prediction: Song Yadong has the crowd support and the momentum advantage behind him.
Expect a blistering performance, but Song could defeat Martinez in a close decision.
Main bouts and undercard Highlights
Li Jingliang vs. Randy Brown (Welterweight)
A UFC veteran, Li Jingliang is popular with fans for his tenacity and hard-hitting fighting style.
With Randy Brown facing the tall, lanky striker from Jamaica, this bout is a classic clash of styles.
Lee will try to close the distance and land hard punches.
Brown will try to use his reach to get in shots from the outside.
Rising players and local heroes
The UFC has also added Asian talent from Dana White’s Contender Series Asia and those training at the Performance Institute Shanghai to this card.
These players may not be well-known names yet, but they represent the future of MMA in Asia.
Keep an eye out for:
Women’s strawweights – inspired by the success of Zhang Weili.
Featherweight newcomers – fast-paced, aggressive players showcasing China’s emerging striking game.
Why the UFC’s return to China is so important
The UFC last held an event in China in 2017 with UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum in Shanghai.
Since then, Chinese players have made a splash, especially Zhang Weili,
who became the country’s first UFC champion.
With the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai now fully operational,
the UFC is committed to making China a long-term market.
This event isn’t just about the fights—it’s about showing that Chinese MMA has matured and is ready to compete on the world stage.
Expert Predictions
Main Event:
Walker vs. Zhang
This fight is experience versus speed. Walker has the height, reach, and flashy weapons. But Zhang has the chin, strength, and home crowd.
If Walker keeps the distance, he can score a spectacular knockout.
If Zhang gets close to his range, he can overpower Walker with pressure and power.
Prediction: Zhang Mingyang will shock the world with a second-round TKO and become China’s next MMA superstar.
Co-Main:
Song Yadong vs. Jonathan Martinez
Song’s speed and punching give him the edge, but Martinez’s kicks could cause trouble.
Expect a fierce contest.
Prediction:
Song Yadong wins via unanimous decision.
Li Jingliang vs. Randy Brown
Li Jingliang will bring his speed, but Brown’s reach is hard to ignore.
Prediction:
Randy Brown wins via split decision in a closely contested contest.
Fan expectations and global reactions
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the event, especially in Asia.
Chinese fans are expected to flock to the stadium and create one of the loudest UFC atmospheres of the year.
Globally, the card is being viewed as a test of the UFC’s expansion into Asia.
If Zhang Mingyang and Song Yadong perform well, expect even bigger events in China, possibly even a limited pay-per-view in the future.
Conclusion:
Why you can’t miss UFC Fight Night Shanghai
UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang isn’t just another event—it’s a turning point for the promotion’s global strategy.
From Walker’s unexpected performance to Zhang’s chance at superstardom, from Song Yadong’s rise to veterans like Li Jingliang, this card has everything an MMA fan could want.
On August 23, 2025, the world will see China take center stage in the UFC.
Whether you’re tuning in for the fights or to witness history, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
