UFC Fight Night 2025: Zhang Mingyang vs. Johnny Walker - Expert Predictions and Betting Insights

Get expert predictions and betting insights for the 2025 UFC Fight Night featuring Zhang Mingyang vs. Johnny Walker. Discover who has the edge in this high-stakes light heavyweight clash.

The UFC returns to China for the first time since 2019, and the stage is set for an explosive UFC Fight Night headlined by Zhang Mingyang and Johnny Walker. Both fighters have a history of first-round knockouts, but only one will emerge victorious in this high-stakes light heavyweight showdown.

Main Event: Zhang Mingyang vs. Johnny Walker

Zhang Mingyang has been a force to reckon with, boasting three first-round knockouts in his first three UFC bouts. His opponent, Johnny Walker, is the only other fighter in UFC history to achieve this feat. However, Walker's recent record of 4-6-1, including knockout losses in his last two fights, raises questions about his current form. Zhang, a significant betting favorite, hasn't lost an MMA fight since October 2019.

Expert Prediction:

  • Din Thomas (ESPN MMA Analyst): Zhang by TKO. "Johnny Walker is still too chinny for me. Zhang has good punching power, accuracy, and killer instincts. It's also a home game for Zhang in China, so that's a wrap for Johnny."

Betting Analysis:

  • Ian Parker (ESPN Betting Expert): Zhang to win (-350); under 1.5 rounds (-325). "Both fighters are known for ending fights early, but Walker has been knocked out in his past two fights. Zhang has knocked out all three of his UFC opponents in the first round. This feels like another KO loss for Walker."

Co-Main Event: Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling

The co-main event features two top-10 featherweights, Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling. Both fighters are excellent on the ground, with four submission wins each since 2015.

Betting Tip: Over 4.5 rounds. "This fight feels like it's going to go into deep waters regardless of who wins. Take the over 4.5 rounds or the fight to go the distance for better odds."

PFL World Championships 2025

The 2025 PFL world championships conclude this week, with tournament winners crowned at middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight.

Middleweight Championship: Dalton Rosta vs. Fabian Edwards

  • Betting Tip: Rosta to win (+180). "Rosta carries knockout power and can wrestle if he chooses to. He has more ways to finish the fight and can take the first two or three rounds with his wrestling."

Light Heavyweight Final: Sullivan Cauley vs. Antonio Carlos Jr.

  • Betting Tip: Cauley to win (-175). "Cauley should defend early takedown attempts and utilize his boxing skills to get the win."

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Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights as the fight night approaches!

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