UFC Fight Night, Johnny Walker
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Bruna Brasil will headline Friday’s Road to UFC card in Shanghai opposite Chinese prospect Shi Ming, but that was not the original plan. The UFC has a Fight Night event booked for Saturday in Shanghai,
‘Mountain Tiger’ Zhang Mingyang introduced himself to the American fans in April when he left former title challenger Anthony Smith in a pool of his own blood for his retirement fight. This was Mingyang’s U.S. debut and 19th career finish.
But less than 24 hours before the card gets underway, the UFC have been forced to make a major change to the co-main event after fans expressed concern for one of the fighters after seeing videos of him online.
The speed of Zhang's rise hasn't only been a surprise outside of China, but to the man himself. Before landing this Walker matchup, Zhang retired one-time UFC title challenger Anthony Smith with a first-round stoppage at UFC Kansas City in April.
UFC Shanghai, also known as UFC Fight Night 257, held its official weigh-ins ahead of Saturday morning's event with some last-minute changes.
Returning to the Chinese mainland for the first time in six years, the UFC will stage a 12-bout card on Saturday at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. The event has generated huge buzz across the city, with fighters drawing enthusiastic crowds at media events and open training sessions.
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