Walker vs Mingyang Weigh-Ins | UFC Shanghai
UFC Shanghai Weigh-Ins: Official Results
The UFC returns to China with a stacked card at UFC Shanghai, and weigh-in day brought no shortage of intensity. Headliners Johnny Walker and local rising star Zhang Mingyang squared off for the first time on fight week, setting the tone for their Light Heavyweight showdown (Walker vs Mingyang).
Main Event and Co-Main Event
Walker looked loose but focused, while Zhang received thunderous support from the crowd. Just before them, two former champions stepped on the scale for a blockbuster co-main: Aljamain Sterling vs Brian Ortega. Both featherweights hit the mark, fueling excitement for a stylistic clash of wrestling and submission skills versus relentless pressure and boxing.
Heavyweight Powerhouses
Third from the top, Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta adds big-man violence to the card. Pavlovich, one of the division’s most feared strikers, faced off against the surging Cortes-Acosta in a tense staredown that nearly boiled over.
Full Fight Card Highlights
- Sumudaerji vs Kevin Borjas brings a flyweight showcase with home-country pride on the line.
- Welterweights Kiefer Crosbie vs Nueraji Taiyilake drew loud reactions from the Chinese crowd.
- Maheshate Hayisaer vs Gauge Young highlights lightweight prospects on the rise.
- Other notable bouts include Charles Johnson vs Lone’er Kavanagh, Austin Hubbard vs Rongzhu, and Kyle Daukaus vs Michel Pereira.
- Opening bouts feature Yizha vs Westin Wilson, Long Xiao vs Soo Young Yoo, and Diyar Nurgozhay vs Uran Satybaldiev.
What’s at Stake in Shanghai
This card is about more than just individual fights. For Zhang Mingyang, a knockout artist with a growing reputation, defeating Johnny Walker could launch him into the Light Heavyweight elite. For Sterling and Ortega, it’s a chance to stake their claim at featherweight contention. And for Pavlovich, it’s about staying relevant in the Heavyweight title chase. The weigh-ins only raised the anticipation for Saturday’s event.
