UFC Fight Night: Shanghai – Rongzhu vs. Austin Hubbard – Preview & Betting Tips

The UFC returns to Shanghai this weekend, and one of the more intriguing  clashes on the card sees China’s Rongzhu face off against the durable veteran Austin Hubbard at lightweight.

Rongzhu (26-6) is still relatively inexperienced in the UFC after having only two fights on the roster since competing on the Road to the UFC back in 2024. He has tasted both defeat and victory so far, and he’ll be hoping to string back-to-back wins together, especially in his homeland.

Hubbard (17-9) is certainly the more experienced man in this one having had 11 UFC fights. Despite suffering four defeats in his last five bouts, he arguably could be on a three-fight win streak, after suffering two consecutive split-decision losses.

Tale of the Tape 

Rongzhu – Odds 1.33 (Bet MGM)

Record: 26-6

Age: 25

Height: 5ft9

Reach: 71”

Weight: Lightweight

Stance: Orthodox

Austin Hubbard – Odds 3.40 (Bet MGM)

Record: 17-9

Age: 33

Height: 5ft10

Reach: 71”

Weight: Lightweight

Stance: Orthodox 

Rongzhu vs Austin Hubbard: Analysis

Rongzhu is a striker by trade, and when he’s pressing forward, he looks dangerous. He picks his shots well, has clean technique, and carries genuine knockout power. His best performances come when he’s dictating the pace and forcing his opponents back to the fence. But when he’s backed up, however, he tends to fall into panic mode and relies more on instincts rather than fight IQ. 

On paper, his takedown defence looks okay, having stuffed multiple attempts during his Road to UFC run. Those attempts came from opponents who weren’t UFC-level wrestlers though. That makes it tough to say with confidence how he’ll fare against someone like Hubbard, who often makes grappling a key part of his game plan.

One thing is clear about Hubbard: he’s as tough as nails. The Colorado lightweight isn’t spectacular in any one area, but he’s solid everywhere. He’s shown heart, good cardio, and enough well-roundedness to survive and even thrive in tough spots. He’s not a slick striker, not a suffocating wrestler, and neither a submission threat, but he stays in fights through grit and relentlessness.

And it’s his well-roundedness that could help him achieve victory in those one; he’ll be mixing up his attacks against a much more inexperienced fighter.

Rongzhu vs Hubbard: Prediction & Betting Tips

Hubbard has the advantage in experience and persistence, especially if he can force clinches up against the fence and then drag Rongzhu into grappling exchanges.

The problem for Hubbard is that his success often relies on neutralising wrestlers and grapplers. Against a striker like Rongzhu, his “good everywhere, great nowhere” profile may not be enough. If he can’t consistently land takedowns, he’ll be forced into extended striking battles and that likely favours the Chinese fighter.

But an interesting dynamic to me is this: Rongzhu is inexperienced, fighting in his own country, and needs a win to advance his career. This is a potential recipe for disaster when you’re fighting a durable veteran like Hubbard.

I think the American can play on this and force the Chinese fighter into mistakes. I don’t have confidence in Rongzhu’s wrestling and grappling defence compared to Hubbard. Taking Austin Hubbard moneyline at odds of 3.40 (Bet MGM) is one of the smartest plays on this card in my opinion.