Zhang Mingyang is coming for another highlight reel knockout.
After winning a first-round finish in three straights within the Octagon, “Mountain Lion” is about to win the biggest victory of his career at UFC Shanghai this Saturday. Competing in his own backyard, Chan fights Brazilian bruiser Johnny Walker and squares in a battle that is guaranteed to actually deliver fireworks if it lasts for a long time.
Earlier this week, Walker refused to provide predictions about how things will unfold, noting that the winner will simply become the first fighter to land.
Chan plans to be that fighter.
“The fight in my hometown motivates me a lot,” he said at UFC Shanghai Media Day. “I want to work well for Chinese fans and show the best. I’m confident, but I’ll remain humble. I know this fight is difficult, but I’m ready to take on the challenge.”
Zhang Mingyang will go to his 20th first round finish at UFC Shanghai
Zhang, who will be taking on the appearance of the fourth promotion, boasting a record of 19-6, has earned 13 career costumes to credit, including a quick finish against Blendson Ribeiro, Ozzy Diaz and Anthony “Lionheart” Smith.
Perhaps even more impressive is that all of Zhang’s 19 career victories came in the first round. This is a trend he is trying to continue against the struggling Walker.
“I will not chase the first round finish in every previous battle,” Min Yang told MMA Junkie in a postwar interview. “I’ve always prepared for a three- or five-round battle. But once you step into the cage, when the battle begins, if you see an opening or hole from the enemy, you’ll catch it.”