Johnny Walker-Zhang Mingyang headlines fight night as UFC returns to Shanghai after 8 years

The UFC is making its long-awaited return to Shanghai after eight years on Saturday (August 23), with Brazilian Johnny Walker set to face China’s own Zhang Mingyang in the headline bout.

Walker, known for his explosive style and unpredictable striking, will look to reassert himself in the light heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Zhang, a rising star and hometown favorite, will aim to make a statement in front of a passionate Chinese crowd.

The card promises to showcase local talent alongside international names, marking a milestone for the UFC’s expansion in Asia. Fans can expect fireworks when Walker and Zhang clash at Shanghai Indoor Stadium's octagon.



Walker entered UFC Shanghai nearly seven years into his promotional run, firmly established as a Top-15 light heavyweight. The Brazilian has struggled recently, dropping his last two fights and now fighting to avoid a fourth straight winless outing. Despite the setbacks, Walker’s wealth of experience makes him a dangerous test for rising contenders.


His opponent, Mingyang, has quickly emerged as one of the division’s most exciting prospects. The 26-year-old 'Mountain Tiger' has stormed into the rankings with three consecutive first-round finishes, including a brutal performance that retired veteran Anthony Smith.

This weekend’s clash is pivotal as Walker needs a rebound to stay relevant, while Zhang looks to solidify his status as a future title contender. With both men carrying knockout power and a penchant for highlight finishes, this fight promises fireworks and could be decided by whoever lands cleanly first.

The Saturday's stacked fight card spotlights some of the region’s top emerging talents.

HOW TO WATCH UFC FIGHT NIGHT 257 IN US

• Event: UFC FIGHT NIGHT 257
• Preliminary Card Start Time: 3AM ET
• Main Card Start Time: 6AM ET
• Venue: Shanghai Indoor Stadium, China
• Channel/Streaming: ESPN+

UFC SHANGHAI MAIN CARD MATCHES

• Johnny Walker vs Zhang Mingyang
• Brian Ortega vs Aljamain Sterling
• Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes Acosta
• Sumudaerji vs Kevin Borjas
• Kiefer Crosbie vs Taiyilake Nueraji

UFC SHANGHAI PRELIMINARY CARD MATCHES

• Maheshate vs Gauge Young
• Lone’er Kavanagh vs Charles Johnson
• Rongzhu vs Austin Hubbard
• Michel Pereira vs Kyle Daukaus
• Yizha vs Westin Wilson
• Xiao Long vs SuYoung You
• Uran Satybaldiev vs Diyar Nurgozhay