Zhang Mingyang vs. Johnny Walker: UFC Fight Night Predictions and Betting

UFC Fight Night: Zhang Mingyang vs. Johnny Walker Headlines the Card in China

The UFC’s long-awaited return to China since 2019 is just around the corner. The main event, which will begin at 6 a.m. ET with the prelims at 3 a.m. ET, promises high emotions. The main focus will be on the matchup between Zhang Mingyang and Johnny Walker. Mingyang, known for his three first-round knockouts in his UFC fights, faces Walker, who also achieved three KO victories in the first round in his early UFC career. However, Walker has had a 4-6-1 record since then, including KO losses in his last two fights. Zhang, considered the favorite, hasn’t lost an MMA fight since October 2019. The co-main event will feature two of the best featherweights, Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling, both ranked in the division’s top 10. Both fighters are known for their ground game, with four submission victories each since 2015.

Zhang by TKO. Johnny Walker is still too vulnerable. Zhang has good striking power and precision. He also has very good killer instincts, which means disaster for Johnny Walker. Also, Zhang plays at home in China, so this is already done for Johnny.

Din Thomas, MMA analyst

Betting Analysis for the Event

Odds are accurate as of August 21. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET.

Betting Analysis:

Zhang to win (-350); under 1.5 rounds (-325): Don’t blink in this match between Zhang and Walker, as both are known for finishing fights early. However, Walker has been knocked out in his last two fights, and Zhang has knocked out his three UFC opponents in the first round. This looks like another KO loss for Walker and possibly his exit from the UFC. Make Zhang the anchor of your parlay or bet on him to win by KO/TKO in under 1.5 rounds for better odds.

Best bets for the rest of the card:Featherweight: Aljamain Sterling vs. Brian OrtegaOver 4.5 rounds. In the five-round co-main event, former bantamweight champion Sterling faces former featherweight title contender Ortega. Ortega has the striking advantage in this matchup, so he will look to defend against Sterling’s wrestling, trying to keep the fight standing. If taken down, Ortega has excellent Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills to defend well and minimize the damage received. This fight seems like it will go deep waters no matter who wins, so bet at least on over 4.5 rounds. For better odds, bet that the fight goes the distance.Heavyweight: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Pavlovich to win (-250). Pavlovich is a big step up in competition for Cortes-Acosta. In his most recent fight, Cortes-Acosta got a decision win over Serghei Spivac that some, including myself, saw differently than the judges. Pavlovich has tremendous power in his hands, good accuracy, and can take this fight to the ground if needed. I don’t see any path to victory for Cortes-Acosta.