The UFC⁤ returns to China for the first time since 2019 with a Fight Night headlined by Zhang Mingyang, who boasts three first-round knockouts in his initial ⁣three UFC bouts. His opponent, Johnny Walker, also achieved⁣ three first-round KO⁢ victories early in his UFC career, but⁤ his record has as declined to 4-6-1 with knockout losses in his last two fights. Zhang enters the fight as a importent betting favorite and remains undefeated since⁣ October 2019.

The co-main event showcases a compelling featherweight clash between Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling, both skilled grapplers ‍with four submission wins each since 2015.

light Heavyweight Main ⁣Event: Zhang Mingyang⁢ vs.⁤ Johnny Walker

According to ESPN MMA ‍analyst Din Thomas, Zhang is favored to win by TKO. Thomas highlights ⁣Zhang’s punching power, accuracy, and killer instinct, combined with Walker’s ⁤susceptibility to being knocked out,⁤ and the advantage of fighting on home soil in China as key factors.

Betting Analysis

As of August 21st, ESPN ⁣betting expert Ian Parker recommends betting on Zhang to win (-350) and for the fight to end under 1.5 rounds (-325). Parker notes both fighters’ tendencies to finish fights‍ quickly, but emphasizes Walker’s recent knockout losses to Volkan Oezdemir and Magomed Ankalaev, and Zhang’s perfect first-round knockout record in the UFC. He⁣ suggests this could be another KO loss for Walker,potentially leading to his departure from⁣ the UFC,and advises including Zhang as an anchor in ⁢parlays or betting on him to win by KO/TKO within 1.5 rounds for improved ‍odds.

Parker also ⁣provides additional betting insights for the rest of the UFC card, suggesting strategic ‍wagers based on fighter performance and odds.