Rising light heavyweight prospect Zhang Mingyang is set to feature in a prominent main event slot.
UFC CEO Dana White recently revealed plans for the promotion`s return to Shanghai on August 23rd, with the event taking place at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. The card will be topped by a light heavyweight contest between China`s own Zhang Mingyang and ranked contender Johnny Walker.
Dubbed “The Mountain Tiger,” Zhang made a significant impact since his UFC debut last year, quickly accumulating three consecutive first-round knockout victories. Each of these finishes earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. His most recent impressive win came against veteran Anthony Smith during Smith`s final professional bout at UFC Kansas City this past April.
In contrast, Johnny Walker enters this fight following a two-fight losing streak, having been stopped in both of his outings in 2024. He was originally scheduled to compete against Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 316 but was forced to withdraw from the fight due to injury.
The co-main event is slated to feature a compelling featherweight matchup between former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling and former two-time featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega. Sterling is looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Movsar Evloev at UFC 310, while Ortega is also coming off a unanimous decision defeat to Diego Lopes at UFC 306.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham