Brazil returned to smile in UFC main fights. This Saturday (23), Johnny Walker contradicted all predictions, overcame the Chinese favoritism Zhang Mingyang and earned a TKO victory in the second round of the main event of UFC ShanghaiWith his strategic and efficient performance, the Rio native ended a negative streak for Brazilian athletes and showed that he is still a relevant name in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg).
With victory, Johnny Walker reaches 22 victories in his professional MMA career and ends a turbulent period since 2023. The Brazilian reaffirms his name among the best in the category and asked to face Jan Blachowicz. Furthermore, it ends the recent streak of defeats by Brazilians in main event fights in the Ultimate, which reached ten.
See too
Yes, Zhang Mingyang, a Chinese sensation and previously undefeated in the UFC, suffers his first loss in the organization. Known for his quick knockouts and devastating power, the 'Tiger' had his rise halted in the toughest fight of his career to date.
Johnny Walker silences critics, knocks out Zhang Mingyang and ends Brazil's drought in UFC main events
Under pressure after three winless fights, including two knockout losses and a no contest, Walker entered as the underdog but surprised from the start. Without touching gloves, the Brazilian went straight for the takedown, but saw the Chinese fighter reverse the position. Even so, Zhang chose to get back up, continuing the fight standing, where he moved forward and landed a powerful right hand that rocked the Brazilian.
Despite the scare, Walker remained calm and withstood the pressure. In the second round, the strategy changed: the Brazilian began kicking Zhang's supporting leg intensely, undermining his opponent's stance and reducing his aggression. The Chinese fighter felt the blows, and Johnny didn't waste the opportunity: he picked up the pace, applied pressure at close range, and forced the referee to stop the fight after a series of heavy strikes.
UFC Shanghai Results
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Johnny Walker derrotou Zhang Mingyang by technical knockout at 2:37 of R2 – main fight
Married weight (up to 69,4 kg): aljamain sterling derrotou Brian ortega in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Sumudaerji derrotou Kevin Borjas in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Taiyilake Nueraji defeated Kiefer Crosbie by technical knockout (punches) at 3m33sec. from R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Gauge Young defeated Maheshate by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)P
light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Charles Johnson derrotou Lone'er Kavanagh by knockout at 4:35 (punch) of the second round
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Rong Zhu derrotou Austin Hubbard by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Kyle Daukaus derrotou Michael Pereira by knockout (punches) at 43 sec. of R1
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Yi Zha defeated Westin Wilson by knockout at 37 seconds of round 1
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Su-Young You defeated Xiao Long by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Uran Satybaldiev finished Diyar Nurgozhay with an Ezequiel Choke at 2m45sec of R1
Read More about: Johnny Walker, UFC Shanghai, Zhang Mingyang
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