UFC Fight Night is back but this time it takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China on Saturday the 23rd of August. The event is headlined by a light heavyweight matchup between Johnny Walker and Zhang Mingyang and we take a look at this bout as well as two supporting fights on the Main Card from a betting angle.
Click here to bet on the full fight card
JOHNNY WALKER vs ZHANG MINGYANG
Light Heavyweight – Main Event:
Johnny Walker, the entertaining Brazilian, has long been one of the UFC’s most unpredictable fighters. Known for his wild striking and finishing ability, Walker has struggled with consistency in recent years and currently holds a record of 7 wins and 6 losses with the remainder resulting in a no contest.
His last two appearances saw him suffer knockout losses to Magomed Ankalaev in round 2 and Volkan Oezdemir in the 1st round the last time he fought in June 2024, while his last win came in 2023 against Anthony Smith where he claimed a decision victory.
Zhang Mingyang, representing China, is a surging contender who has burst onto the UFC scene and made a statement in the division due to his brutal stopping power. Since making his debut in 2024, he has gone 3-0 inside the promotion, earning quick knockouts over Brendson Ribeiro and Ozzy Diaz, finishing them both just a couple of minutes into the fight.
At just 25 years old, Mingyang has shown composure in striking exchanges and brings confidence into this test after beating Anthony Smith by knockout in the 4th minute of the bout when he last fought in April this year.
BETTING – click here to bet
Walker 3.60
Zhang 1.30
PREDICTION:
Walker has the experience and danger factor heading into this weekend, but Zhang’s momentum and finishing ability make him a serious threat. Unless Walker can drag this fight into deeper waters right from the bell, Zhang is likely to catch him early, making my pick a round 1 knockout win.
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BRIAN ORTEGA vs ALJAMAIN STERLING
Featherweight – Co-Main Event:
Brian Ortega, fighting out of America, remains one of the most dangerous submission artists in the UFC, with past wins over talented fighters like Cub Swanson, Renato Moicano, and Yair Rodriguez. He has been apart of the institution since 2014 and after stepping in the octagon 13 times, he has won 8, while losing 4 with his debut concluded in a no contest.
However, his recent form has been shaky having lost 3 of his last 4 encounters, although he fought amongst the best in the division. It is also important to note that he has only fought 5 times since 2020. His most recent action came in September 2024 where he took on Diego Lopes and lost by decision.
Aljamain Sterling, the former bantamweight champion from the USA, is looking to make a statement since moving up to featherweight. He earned a debut victory in April 2024 over Calvin Kattar but then dropped a decision to Movsar Evloev in December.
Sterling’s wrestling and control remain his biggest weapon, but he has also developed a measured striking game over his long UFC career which spans over a decade, with wins over elite fighters such as Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo. Despite a weight class change, he possesses an impressive record of 16 wins with just 5 losses behind him.
BETTING – click here to bet
Ortega 3.30
Sterling 1.35
PREDICTION:
Ortega always has a chance with his submission game, but Sterling’s relentless pace and wrestling heavy style should be the difference here. I am expecting Sterling to dictate the action en route to a clear decision win.
SERGEI PAVLOVICH vs WALDO CORTES-ACOSTA
Heavyweight – Main Card Bout:
Sergei Pavlovich, one of the UFC’s most feared knockout specialists, has experienced both highs and lows at heavyweight in recent years. After a title fight defeat to Tom Aspinall in late 2023, Pavlovich returned in February 2025 with a measured decision victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, showing patience and a willingness to go the distance.
Notably before he lost the title shot against Aspinall, he was on an incredible streak of 6 consecutive knockout victories in the 1st round.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta has been on an impressive run since joining the UFC in 2022 after competing in the Dana White’s Contender Series, compiling a strong 7–1 record under the organisation. The Dominican heavyweight is riding a 5-fight winning streak which includes recent victories over Serghei Spivac by decision in June 2025, Ryan Spann by knockout in March, and a decision over Robelis Despaigne last year.
Known for his durability and volume punching, Cortes-Acosta has shown the ability to go three rounds at a steady pace, however this will no doubt be his biggest challenge yet.
BETTING – click here to bet
Pavlovich 1.40
Cortes-Acosta 3.10
PREDICTION:
Cortes-Acosta’s steady rise has proven he belongs in the division, but Pavlovich represents a massive step up in striking danger. If Cortes-Acosta can survive until the later rounds, his cardio may become a factor, but Pavlovich’s proven ability to land early and often makes him the deserved favourite, I believe Pavlovich gets this done by knockout in round 2.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Walker vs Mingyang
Mingyang in round 1 at 2.05
Ortega vs Sterling
Sterling by decision at 1.85
Pavlovich vs Cortes-Acosta
Pavlovich by knockout at 1.90
THE TREBLE WORKS OUT TO 7.20
Use this code to follow my treble overing all 3 bets 39604763
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
