Welcome to the live blog providing updates for the Anthony Smith versus Zhang Mingyang light heavyweight co-main event. This bout is scheduled for Saturday at the T-Mobile Center as part of UFC Kansas City.
This upcoming fight will be Anthony Smith`s 25th appearance inside the Octagon and is expected to be his last. Smith, a former challenger for the light heavyweight title, has been a consistent competitor in the UFC since 2016. However, with a recent record of only 2 wins in his past seven contests, Smith is preparing to transition into the next phase of his professional life. Known by his moniker “Lionheart,” he is not seeking an easy exit, opting instead to defend his No. 15 ranking against a formidable and ascending contender in his final mixed martial arts bout.
Among the fighters who made their UFC debut in 2024, Zhang Mingyang certainly made a significant impact, although Carlos Prates might have captured slightly more attention. Zhang, who came through the Road to UFC series, competed twice last year. Both of his fights resulted in first-round knockout victories, and he was awarded an additional $50,000 bonus for Performance of the Night for one of these impressive finishes. “Mountain Tiger” is now aiming to secure a third consecutive knockout victory in the Octagon and potentially break into the top 15 rankings in the 205-pound division this Saturday night.
Follow the ongoing live blog coverage for the Anthony Smith versus Zhang Mingyang fight by checking the updates below.
Wesley Dunham