UFC announced today the main event of the highly anticipated event in China. Johnny Walker (33, Brazil), ranked 12th in the UFC light heavyweight (93kg) category and known for his electrifying striking, will clash with the rising finish specialist Zhang Mingyang (26, China), ranked 14th, in the main event of 'UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang' on Aug. 23 in Shanghai, China. In the co-main event, Brian Ortega (34, U.S.), ranked 7th and a two-time challenger for the UFC featherweight (65.8kg) title, will face 9th ranked Aljamain Sterling.

'UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang' will take place on Saturday, Aug. 23, during prime time. This event will mark the fourth UFC event held on the Chinese mainland and the eighth in the Greater China region. 'UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang' will be held at the iconic Shanghai Gymnasium in Xuhui District. This event is organized in cooperation with the Shanghai Sports Bureau, Xuhui District Government, Alibaba subsidiary Orange Lion Sports, and UFC's broadcasting partner, China Mobile subsidiary Migu.

As part of Fight Week, 'ROAD TO UFC: Sming vs. Brazil' will take place on Aug. 22. Surprisingly, there were 12 finishes in the opening round. Now, 16 top-tier MMA prospects from the Asia-Pacific region will compete to determine the finalists. The ultimate winner will have the opportunity to sign a multi-fight contract with the UFC.

Tickets for 'UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang' and 'ROAD TO UFC Season 4 Semifinals: Sming vs. Brazil' will go on sale starting July 10 at noon through Jusriwi. Ticket purchases are limited to six per person.

The limited UFC VIP Experience package offers exclusive access to premium seating, pre-fight hospitality events, and fan meetings with UFC fighters. More information about the UFC VIP Experience can be found on Jusriwi.

UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang

KO artist Walker (21 wins, 9 losses) has been competing against top light heavyweight fighters since signing with the UFC through Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) in 2018. A powerful striker, Walker has delivered impressive finishes against Ryan Spann, Anthony Smith, and Khalil Rountree Jr. Now, he aims to fend off Zhang Mingyang's charge and climb the rankings once again.

Emerging contender Zhang Mingyang (19 wins, 6 losses) burst into the top 15 rankings after spectacularly knocking out legend Anthony Smith in April. Quickly gaining recognition for his astonishing finishing ability, Zhang has finished 19 of his fights in the first round. In the UFC, he has finished Smith, Ozzy Diaz, and Brendson Ribeiro in the first round. Zhang looks to showcase another spectacular performance against Walker in his home of China to enter the title picture.

Fan-favorite fighter Ortega (16 wins, 4 losses, 1 no-contest) is known for his crisp boxing and high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills. He has finished notable fighters such as Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson, and Yair Rodriguez with his jiu-jitsu. Ortega has challenged for the title against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, and defeated 'Korean Zombie' Chan Sung Jung. Now, he seeks to challenge for the title once more by defeating Sterling.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sterling (24 wins, 5 losses) has successfully defended his title three times against Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo since becoming champion. He now aims to establish his presence in the featherweight division with his breathtaking wrestling and striking game. He is intent on defeating Ortega and pursuing a title shot in the second weight class.

[Photo] Provided by UFC.

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