With the victory, Walker snaps a three-fight winless streak (two losses and one no contest). The victory was his first since he beat Anthony Smith by unanimous decision in May 2023. In defeat, Zhang loses for the first time in the UFC after promotional victories over Brendson Ribeiro, Ozzy Diaz, and Anthony Smith.

Walker and Zhang headline UFC's return to Shanghai, with Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling in the co-main event

Zhang Mingyang got what they call “fraud checked” earlier today (Sat., Aug. 23, 2025) at UFC Shanghai LIVE on ESPN+ from inside the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in Shanghai, China, suffering an upset TKO (leg kicks and punches) to light heavyweight veteran Johnny Walker in the main event.