Credit: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Zhang Mingyang vs Johnny Walker: Bloody Elbow predictions see a knockout victory for the native fighter at UFC Shanghai

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Hamish Woodward | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 1:42 PM ET

There is only one man who has a chance of winning the main event of UFC Shanghai, according to the Bloody Elbow predictions.

The UFC returns to mainland China for the first time since 2017, with Zhang Mingyang starring in the main event in his home country.

The local favorite will battle Brazilian fighter Johnny Walker in a Light Heavyweight headliner, the first time he’s been the main event since earning his contract on Road to UFC Season 1.

Mingyang is undefeated in his first three UFC fights, as he attempts to establish himself among the great Chinese MMA fighters in history, although Walker will do his best to knock him down a peg or two at UFC Shanghai on August 23.

However, the Bloody Elbow staff has one clear winner in mind as they make their prediction for the UFC Shanghai main event between Mingyang and Walker.

Zhang Mingyang vs Johnny Walker predictions

Ross Markey: “Johnny Walker should really be credited for taking such a difficult matchup in his return. On enemy territory, against a rising light heavyweight who has been flawless so far. It’s really only pointing to one outcome isn’t it?

“I’m picking Zhang Mingyang to stop the Brazilian quite early in Shanghai. Walker has been on the receiving end of far too much punishment recently — in a less-than-ideal timeframe, too.”

PREDICTION: ZHANG MINGYANG VIA KNOCKOUT

Harvey Leonard: It’s probably best not to overthink this one. Johnny Walker gets knocked out just about whenever he gets hit clean at this point. A Zhang Mingyang, who has some of the hardest shots in the division and has finished all 19 of his wins in the first round, is a recipe for disaster if you’re the Brazilian. Zhang via knockout.

PREDICTION: ZHANG MINGYANG VIA KNOCKOUT

Kyle Dimond: The light heavyweight division rarely gets exciting, rising contenders and facing them is a difficult spot for Johnny Walker to be in. He’s struggled against power punchers, with his fights often ending in huge and somewhat bizarre knockouts. This should be perfect timing for Zhang Mingyang to replicate that. Zhang via knockout.

PREDICTION: ZHANG MINGYANG VIA KNOCKOUT

Hamish Woodward: While the event taking place in China could be a positive for Zhang Mingyang, you could hold this fight anywhere in the world and Johnny Walker would still have one of the weakest chins in the division.

Two knockout losses to some fairly unimpressive fighters in his last two bouts leave the Brazilian with little to look forward to in this bout. Mingyang isn’t the world’s most impressive fighter, but he should have what it takes to finish Walker in quick fashion in Shanghai.

PREDICTION: ZHANG MINGYANG VIA KNOCKOUT

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: