UFC Fight Night Shanghai: Walker vs Zhang predictions & tips

UFC returns to Shanghai with Johnny Walker vs Zhang Mingyang headlining. We break down the full fight card with expert predictions and betting picks.

Sports Betting Tips

by Cayne Pitstock

August 21, 2025 0

The UFC returns to China with a 12-fight card at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium on Saturday, August 23, headlined by a high-stakes light heavyweight clash between unpredictable Brazilian Johnny Walker and local knockout machine Zhang Mingyang.

The co-main event features former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling meeting submission ace Brian Ortega at featherweight, while heavyweight knockout artists Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta collide in a pivotal bout for the division.

Elsewhere on the main card, flyweight bangers Sumudaerji and Kevin Borjas square off, and Chinese welterweight Taiyilake Nueraji looks to stay perfect against Ireland’s Kiefer Crosbie.

Here’s our UFC Shanghai main card breakdown with best bets to place with the top sports betting sites.

UFC Shanghai main card betting preview

Johnny Walker vs Zhang Mingyang

Johnny Walker (21-9) remains one of the most volatile fighters in the UFC, capable of producing highlight-reel knockouts but equally vulnerable to being finished himself. At 6’6” with an 82-inch reach, his physical tools remain elite, but back-to-back KO losses have raised major questions about his durability.

Zhang Mingyang (19-6) has taken the UFC by storm with three straight first-round finishes. “Mountain Tiger” fights with relentless aggression, storming forward and putting opponents away before they can adjust. Fighting in front of a home crowd in Shanghai, he brings confidence and momentum into the biggest fight of his career.

Walker has the size and power to cause problems, but Zhang’s pace, accuracy, and finishing instincts should overwhelm the Brazilian early.

Zhang Mingyang by KO/TKO in Round 1

+102 @
BetOnline

Brian Ortega vs Aljamain Sterling

Brian Ortega (16-4) is one of the UFC’s most dangerous submission grapplers, a fighter who can snatch a neck from anywhere and turn the tide instantly. However, his recent outings have shown wear, with declining striking output and trouble staying out of extended wrestling exchanges.

Aljamain Sterling (24-5) transitions to featherweight after a decorated bantamweight run that included a title reign. His suffocating wrestling, scrambling ability, and control from the back remain elite, and he adds a busy striking output that frustrates opponents across five rounds.

If Ortega cannot find an early submission, Sterling’s volume and positional dominance should carry him to a clear points victory.

Aljamain Sterling by decision

+110 @
BetOnline

Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Sergei Pavlovich (19-3) is a terrifying puncher with most of his wins coming inside the first round. However, his cardio and defensive grappling have been exposed, and he enters this matchup off recent setbacks that have slowed his title push.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta (14-1) brings durability, volume striking, and sneaky wrestling to the table. While he lacks Pavlovich’s raw power, his ability to drag fights deep and pile up points could be decisive if the Russian slows down.

At long odds, Cortes-Acosta looks live to spring an upset by sticking to fundamentals and pushing this fight past the early danger zone.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta by decision

+500 @
BetOnline

Sumudaerji vs Kevin Borjas

Sumudaerji (17-7) is long and fast for a flyweight, using his striking to pick opponents apart from range. But his grappling defense has repeatedly been a liability, and recent form suggests he can be outworked under pressure.

Kevin Borjas (10-3) is a violent striker who thrives in brawls, carrying knockout power in both hands. He impressed in his last outing with pace, pressure, and durability—traits that match up well against Sumudaerji’s rangy but hittable style.

If Borjas keeps this on the feet and maintains output, he should edge a win in enemy territory.

Kevin Borjas to win

+135 @
BetOnline

Taiyilake Nueraji vs Kiefer Crosbie

Taiyilake Nueraji (11-1) makes his UFC debut as one of China’s most promising welterweights. With a highlight reel of violent stoppages, he’s a young finisher who rarely needs the judges. The question is how he handles the step up in competition.

Kiefer Crosbie (10-5) has fought higher-level opposition but struggled badly with grappling defense in the UFC. While he brings boxing skill and toughness, his vulnerabilities line up poorly against an aggressive, athletic debutant.

Nueraji has the tools to overwhelm Crosbie, but given the Irishman’s toughness, a second-round finish looks the most likely outcome.