Can Zhang Mingyang Continue His Rise to the Top of the Light Heavyweight Division?
For the longest time, Chinese MMA fans have been left without a significant male fighter to rally behind. The current Strawweight Women’s Champion Zhang Weili, who made her UFC debut in 2018, quickly became the best fighter to ever come out of China. However, besides fighters such as Song Yadong, Li Jingaling, and Sumudaerji, who have all found some success in the UFC, there hasn’t been a true championship contender. UFC Light Heavyweight Zhang Mingyang, however, has quickly changed the narrative. Despite making his UFC debut in 2024, Mingyang has quickly become China’s best shot at claiming a UFC Championship.
Every so often, a prospect with true one-punch power comes around. The ‘Mountain Tiger’ is that prospect. Entering the UFC after a clean first-round knockout on Road to UFC, Mingyang quickly proved his success in the Chinese regionals could translate to the UFC. Mingyang would finish Brendson Riberio in the first round, earning a performance bonus in his first UFC fight. Following the debut win, Mingyang would extend his 10-fight win streak to 12, finishing both Ozzy Diaz and Anthony Smith in the first round. A perfect 3-0 start to the UFC, with all three fights ending in the first round, has given Zhang Mingyang the opportunity of a lifetime.
UFC Fight Night Shanghai, the UFC’s next event following UFC 319, will be Zhang Mingyang’s first UFC main event. Facing #13-ranked Johnny Walker, Mingyang has the ultimate opportunity at earning yet another stellar knockout, this time in his home country. Mingyang is a heavy favorite against the unorthodox Walker. Walker’s two-fight losing streak, paired with a weak chin, has led fans and media alike to write the Brazilian off.
Zhang Mingyang is currently ranked 14th in the Light Heavyweight Division. With a win over Jonnhy Walker, Mingyang could find himself in the top-10. The Light Heavyweight Division is top-heavy. Fighters like Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Pereira, and Jiri Prochazka are in leagues of their own. Mingyang has ways to go before he is competing against the best of the Light Heavyweight Division. However, currently riding the waves of a 12-fight win streak, with all wins coming by finish, Zhang Mingyang is a top Light Heavyweight in the making.
