Zhang Mingyang vs. Johnny Walker to Headline UFC Shanghai; Aljamain Sterling Meets Brian Ortega in Co-Main Event

The UFC is set to make a high-impact return to China this summer with UFC Shanghai officially scheduled for August 23 at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. In a major announcement from UFC CEO Dana White, the event will be headlined by a light heavyweight clash between Zhang Mingyang and Johnny Walker, with a high-profile featherweight co-main event featuring Aljamain Sterling vs. Brian Ortega.

Zhang Mingyang, nicknamed “The Mountain Tiger,” has quickly become one of the most exciting rising stars in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Since making his UFC debut last year, Zhang has turned heads with his aggressive style and devastating power, notching three consecutive first-round knockouts — each earning him Performance of the Night bonuses. His most recent victory came in dramatic fashion against Anthony Smith, a win that also served as the final chapter of Smith’s career at UFC Kansas City in April.

Now, Zhang steps into his first UFC main event, a milestone achievement that reflects both his popularity in China and his growing threat within the 205-pound division. His fast finishes, crowd-pleasing style, and undefeated UFC record make him a compelling figure to lead the UFC’s return to the Chinese market.

On the other side of the octagon will be Johnny Walker, the Brazilian fan-favorite known for his flashy finishes and unpredictable fight style. However, 2024 has been a rough road for Walker, who is currently on a two-fight losing skid, having suffered back-to-back stoppage losses. He was originally slated to face Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 316 but withdrew from the card due to injury. This bout in Shanghai offers Walker a crucial opportunity to rebound — but doing so against a surging knockout artist like Zhang will be no easy task.

In the co-main event, two former title contenders will collide in a featherweight showdown, as Aljamain Sterling takes on Brian Ortega. Sterling, the former UFC bantamweight champion, recently moved up to 145 pounds and made his debut in the division at UFC 310, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to rising contender Movsar Evloev. Still adjusting to the new weight class, Sterling is eager to make a statement against a veteran like Ortega.

Ortega, meanwhile, is also searching for momentum. Once considered one of the most dangerous submission specialists in the featherweight division, Ortega has struggled to return to form after a series of injuries and tough matchups. In his most recent outing at UFC 306, he dropped a unanimous decision to the surging Diego Lopes. A victory over a former champion like Sterling would help reestablish Ortega’s standing in the crowded featherweight title picture.

With local star Zhang Mingyang in the main event, the UFC is clearly aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of MMA in China. UFC Shanghai promises to deliver a mix of explosive action, international star power, and high-stakes matchups that could shake up both the light heavyweight and featherweight divisions.