The UFC returns to China with an electrifying event in the early hours of Saturday, August 23, 2025, starting at 3 a.m. (Brasilia time) at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in Shanghai. Two Brazilians, Johnny Walker and Michel Pereira, represent the country in the card, with Walker headlining the main event against China’s Zhang Mingyang in the light heavyweight division. The night promises intense fights, with the prelims broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass’s YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, while the main card is exclusive to subscribers of the service. The event marks the UFC’s return to mainland China after nearly eight years, featuring top names and rising talents aiming to make their mark in the octagon.
The anticipation surrounding the event is high, particularly for the clash between Walker, known for his dynamic style, and Zhang, who boasts an impressive knockout streak. The card also highlights other significant bouts, such as the featherweight duel between Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling.
Brazil arrives strongly at the event with two fighters at different points in their careers. Johnny Walker, a UFC veteran since 2018, faces a crucial challenge to reclaim his spot among the top names in the light heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Michel Pereira, in the prelims, aims to solidify his rise in the middleweight division against Kyle Daukaus.
- Key attractions of UFC Shanghai:
- Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang in the light heavyweight division.
- Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling in a five-round fight.
- Michel Pereira facing Kyle Daukaus in the middleweight division.
- Prelims with free streaming on UFC’s social media platforms.
Main event promises excitement
The main event pits two athletes with explosive styles against each other. Johnny Walker, a 33-year-old Brazilian, is known for his versatility and spectacular knockouts, such as those against Paul Craig and Anthony Smith. After two consecutive losses, he seeks a victory to reposition himself in the top 10 of the light heavyweight division. His experience and reach are advantages against Zhang Mingyang, who, at 27, is on a meteoric rise.
Zhang, nicknamed “Mountain Tiger,” comes in with a record of 19 wins, all in the first round, including knockouts against names like Anthony Smith. Fighting at home, the Chinese fighter has the crowd’s support and the confidence of an undefeated UFC run. The expectation is for a fast-paced, aggressive fight, with both athletes aiming for a knockout from the start.
The bout is seen as a defining test for Zhang, who faces an experienced opponent for the first time in a main event. For Walker, the fight is a chance to prove he can still compete with the division’s elite.
Brazilians in the spotlight
In addition to Johnny Walker, Michel Pereira represents Brazil in the prelims. Known for his acrobatic style and thrilling performances, Pereira faces American Kyle Daukaus in the middleweight division. At 31, the Brazilian comes off impressive victories and aims to cement his place in the highly competitive division.
Pereira, who has competed in both welterweight and middleweight, has found his stride in the middleweight division, where his physical strength and creativity in the octagon stand out. Against Daukaus, an experienced grappler, he will need to balance his aggression with solid ground defense.
- Strengths of the Brazilian fighters at UFC Shanghai:
- Johnny Walker: reach, striking power, and experience against elite opponents.
- Michel Pereira: versatility, athleticism, and ability to surprise with unconventional strikes.
- Both aim for victories to climb the rankings in their respective divisions.
Card packed with international talent
UFC Shanghai features a diverse card with fighters from various parts of the world. Beyond the main event, the co-main event between Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling in the featherweight division is one of the most anticipated. Both are former title challengers, and a win could bring them closer to another shot at the belt.
Other notable fights include the heavyweight clash between Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, promising a battle of brute force, and the flyweight bout between Sumudaerji and Kevin Borjas, which could determine the next name to enter the division’s top 10.
- Must-watch fights on the main card:
- Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling (featherweight).
- Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (heavyweight).
- Sumudaerji vs. Kevin Borjas (flyweight).
- Taiyilake Nueraji vs. Kiefer Crosbie (welterweight).
How to watch UFC Shanghai
The event will be broadcast at accessible times for different regions, with prelims starting at 3 a.m. and the main card at 6 a.m. (Brasilia time). The first three prelim fights will be streamed for free on UFC’s digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, allowing fans worldwide to catch a glimpse of the event.
To watch the full card, a UFC Fight Pass subscription is required, offering exclusive coverage of all fights. In Brazil, the service is widely used by MMA fans, with monthly or annual subscription options. In the UK, the main card will be broadcast on TNT Sports starting at 11 a.m. (local time).
- UFC Shanghai streaming options:
- Prelims: YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok via UFC Fight Pass (free).
- Main card: UFC Fight Pass (exclusive to subscribers).
- UK: TNT Sports and discovery+ Premium.
- India: Sony LIV for full coverage.
Context of UFC’s return to China
UFC Shanghai marks the organization’s first visit to mainland China since 2017, when UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum took place. The return follows postponements, such as the event planned for December 2023, which was moved to Las Vegas for undisclosed reasons. The choice of Shanghai reflects the growth of MMA in Asia, with China emerging as a key market for the sport.
Zhang Mingyang, as one of the top local names, is a UFC bet to draw Chinese audiences. His rapid rise and aggressive style make him a central figure in the event, while other Chinese fighters, like Sumudaerji and Taiyilake Nueraji, further boost local representation on the card.
Expectations for the event
The fight night in Shanghai has the potential to be one of the year’s most thrilling, with matchups blending experience and youth. For Johnny Walker, a win over Zhang could mean a return to the top 10 and a chance to face elite opponents like Magomed Ankalaev or Volkan Oezdemir. Meanwhile, Zhang could cement himself as a top prospect in the light heavyweight division with a knockout.
Michel Pereira has the opportunity to solidify his standing in the middleweight division, a category packed with talents like Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. A dominant performance against Daukaus could open doors to matchups against higher-ranked fighters.
- Potential outcomes of the fights:
- A Walker victory could reposition him as a contender in the light heavyweight division.
- Zhang Mingyang could break into the top 10 with a knockout.
- Michel Pereira aims to establish himself in the middleweight division with a convincing win.
- Ortega and Sterling vie for a shot at the featherweight title.
Numbers and facts about UFC Shanghai
The event features 12 fights with representatives from over 10 countries, highlighting the UFC’s diversity. The organization has invested in local names to attract Chinese fans while bringing international stars to ensure global appeal. The choice of the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, an iconic venue, underscores the event’s significance for the Asian market.
- Facts about UFC Shanghai:
- Zhang Mingyang is the first Chinese fighter to headline a UFC main event in China.
- Johnny Walker has 7 UFC knockouts, 3 in the first round.
- Michel Pereira has won his last 3 middleweight fights.
- The event is the UFC’s fourth in mainland China since 2010.
UFC Shanghai promises an action-packed night of fights, with Brazilians Johnny Walker and Michel Pereira seeking victories that could shape their careers in the sport. With a stacked card and a global audience, the event reinforces MMA’s status as a worldwide sporting phenomenon.