Johnny Walker stops Zhang Mingyang in UFC Shanghai main event

A light heavyweight clash between No, 13 ranked Johnny Walker and No. 14 ranked Zhang Mingyang headlined Saturday's UFC Shanghai fight card. 

Walker entered the bout having lost his two previous outings. He went winless in 2024 and Saturday was his first fight of 2025. Mingyang made the walk to the octagon inside Shanghai Indoor Stadium riding a 12-fight winning streak with all 12 wins coming in the first round.

Walker immediately crossed the cage and changed levels for a takedown. Mingyang gained top position. Walker tried to control Mingyang's posture but Mingyang stood, letting Walker to his feet. 

Back standing, Mingyang pressured Walker. He landed a right hand and Walker retreated. Mingyang continued to press forward. He landed and hurt Walker. Walker clinched. They separated and Walker attempted a jumping knee. He circled away and delivered back-to-back leg kicks. Walker looked for a takedown but it was stuffed. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Mingyang. 

For the first time in 13 fights, Mingyang was forced past the opening round. They exchanged leg kicks. Mingyang inched forward and connected with a right hand. Walker responded with a leg kick. Walked landed a leg kick that hurt Mingyang. Another calf kick caused Mingyang to fall to the canvas. Walker seized the moment. He delivered hammer fists. Mingyang covered up and Walker hammered away. The referee stopped the fight. 

The official time of the stoppage was 2:37 of the second round.