This is the live blog for Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang, the light heavyweight main event for Saturday’s UFC Shanghai fight card at Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
Walker looks to snap a three-fight winless streak, which includes consecutive knockout losses to current champ Magomed Ankalaev and past title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. Walker is set for his 15th octagon appearance, and is in a near must-win situation if he hopes to remain a fighter that could contend for a world championship in the future.
Mingyang gets his first UFC main event in just his fourth octagon appearance. The Road To UFC standout is 3-0 inside the octagon with three finishes, and a trio of Performance of the Night bonuses to boot. The 28-year-old stopped Anthony Smith in his retirement fight at UFC Kansas City in April and has knocked out his past nine opponents.
Check out the live blog for Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang below.
Closing Betting Odds
According to FanDuel, Zhang Mingyang closes as a huge favorite at -370, with the comeback on Walker at +295.
Final Prediction
I think Johnny Walker will try and be more fun in this fight. Unfortunately, Zhang is going to hit the chin of his clean at some point, and when he does, the fight is going to be over moments later. A thrilling three or so minutes of action ends with Zhang brutally knocking Walker out in the first round.
Walkouts
As expected, massive ovation for Zhang Mingyang as he makes his first UFC main event walk. Walker makes his way to the octagon with some loud EDM music that has the Shanghai crowd having a good time. And here comes the dance moves for Walker.
Final Announcements
Joe Martinez getting everybody fired up. Marc Goddard is the referee for this main event, while the judges scoring the bout are Ben Cartlidge, David Tirelli and Clemons Werner.
Round 1
This crowd is ready for this one, that’s for sure. We’re off. Johnny Walker tried a takedown attempt, and Zhang ran him over. Zhang on top in full control looking to do damage. Big elbow from Zhang. Walker desperately trying to hold Zhang’s arms, but Walker gets separation and back to his feet. Huge for Walker.
Fastball right hand from Walker misses, Zhang grazes with a counter and it stings Walker. Right hand by Zhang wobbles Walker for a moment, Walker recovers while grabbing a clinch. Walker slowing the pace down, which is smart because Zhang is hurting him every time he lands, and he hasn’t landed anything fully clean yet. Zhang separates, jumping knee attempt from Walker. Zhang stalking Walker, lands a short right hand. Walker shoots for a takedown, Zhang defends easily, then lands a big elbow. Combination from Zhang doesn’t land flush, but definitely stung Walker. Final 30 seconds.
Head kick from Zhang sneaks through the guard, and that’s the horn. First time in seven years Zhang will see a second round.
MMAFighting scores the round 10-9 Zhang
Round 2
Walker’s coach Eric Nicksick was telling his fighter what he’s seeing, and of course, the broadcast cuts away because who wants to hear interesting insight from one of the best coaches in the sport, right? Action slowing a touch at the start of Round 2. Zhang lands, and lands again. Everything he touches Walker with wobbles him. It’s pretty wild.
Walker throws a calf kick, Zhang counters with a nasty right hand, but Zhang’s leg just went out on him. Walker pouncing on him now. Zhang trying to get back to his feet, but he simply can’t. His leg is cooked. Walker continues hammering away and Goddard stops it. Crazy!
Official Result: Johnny Walker def. Zhang Mingyang via TKO – Round 2, 2:37
Post-Fight: Walker says he’s beginning a real title run this time, and then calls out Jan Blachowicz.
