Johnny Walker pulled off an unexpected upset win to spoil Zhang Mingyang’s homecoming in the UFC Shanghai main event on Saturday. After eating some hard shots on the feet and on the ground in the opening round,

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.

The opening to the fight was reminiscent of how Khamzat Chimaev began his path to victory against Kevin Holland at UFC 279. Chimaev was blasted for a controversial move that saw him fake a glove touch before dragging ‘Big Mouth’ down and ragdolling him en route to a quick submission.