UFC Shanghai: Predictions & Preview

Breaking News for MMA fans worldwide! The UFC Shanghai Fight Night card is set to deliver an electrifying night of action from China, with key matchups and rising stars ready to make their mark. For North American fans, be prepared for early morning alarms, as the main card kicks off at 6:00 AM Eastern time. This card, rated a solid 7 out of 10 for overall quality, promises exciting clashes and pivotal career moments for many fighters.

Main Event Spotlight: Walker vs. Mingyang

The headline bout features Johnny Walker against Zhang Mingyang, a fight clearly orchestrated by the UFC to cater to the Chinese audience. Zhang Mingyang is poised as a future star and the "fighter of the night," with the potential for a highlight-reel knockout to boost the UFC's brand expansion in China. Experts predict a first-round knockout in this "banger of the night". Walker, despite his athletic ability, is noted for his vulnerable chin, having suffered seven knockout losses. Mingyang, described as "The Mountain Tiger," possesses one-punch knockout power and decent speed, making him a dangerous opponent. Zhang is a significant favorite at -355, while Walker is a +280 underdog.

The People's Main Event: Ortega vs. Sterling

Many fans consider the co-main event, Brian Ortega versus Aljamain Sterling, as the "true main event" and the "fight of the night". This highly anticipated bout pits two prolific grapplers, ranked number five and seven respectively, against each other. Both fighters are looking to rebound from recent losses. Sterling, known for his wrestling superiority and high fight IQ, is expected to control the fight on the ground. Ortega, a more powerful striker, may find success by keeping the fight standing and employing a "sprawl and brawl" tactic, but concerns about his fight IQ and inactivity persist. Sterling is a 3-to-1 favorite, with a prediction of a fifth-round submission victory.

Prospects and Perils: Kavanaaugh and Crosby's Fates

The card also shines a light on rising prospects and fighters on the brink. Looney Kavanaaugh is highlighted as "one of the best prospects in the entire sport right now," an undefeated, well-rounded, and exciting fighter who seeks finishes. He faces Charles Johnson in what is considered one of the better fights on the card. Kavanaaugh is predicted to win by unanimous decision, leveraging his wrestling edge and explosive standup. On the other end, Kefir Crosby is facing immense pressure as the "stake of the night," needing a win to avoid being cut from the UFC. He enters the fight on a two-fight loss streak, both by first-round submissions. His opponent, Tai Lok Niu Aji, is a dangerous Muay Thai striker known for his elbows and first-round knockouts. Aji is a commanding 5-to-1 favorite, predicted to secure a first-round knockout against Crosby.

Heavyweight Showdown: Pavlovich vs. A Costa

An important heavyweight clash features Sergey Pavlovich against Waldo Cortez A Costa. A Costa is on an unexpected five-fight win streak, potentially placing him one or two wins away from a title shot. Despite being a significant underdog, A Costa's toughness, fundamental boxing skills, and improved head movement could challenge Pavlovich. Pavlovich, with his knockout power and reach advantage, is predicted to secure a third-round TKO through a patient approach, relying on his jab and right hands. The odds place Pavlovich as a 2.5-to-1 favorite.

Undercard Gems and Betting Insights

Several other compelling matchups complete the UFC Shanghai Fight Night card. Michelle Pereira is predicted for a first-round knockout over Kyle Dawkins, leveraging his power and the open stance. Rong Zhu is favored to win by decision against Austin Hubbard, due to his dynamic striking and strong takedown defense. In a closely contested bout, Long Xiao is predicted for a unanimous decision win against Su Yong Yu, emphasizing his takedown defense. The "sleeper of the night" honors go to Suma Dargy versus Kevin Boras, a fight with high potential to impress due to their stylistic collision and pursuit of finishes, with Dargy predicted to win by split decision.

FAQs

Q: When does UFC Shanghai Fight Night start? A: The UFC Shanghai Fight Night main card is scheduled to start at 6:00 AM Eastern time. The preliminary card begins earlier, at 3:00 AM Eastern time, making it an early morning event for fans in North America.

Q: Who is the main event fighter for the Chinese audience? A: Zhang Mingyang is positioned as the main event fighter catering to the Chinese crowd. The UFC aims to use him as a star to expand its brand in China, with predictions for a highlight-reel knockout against Johnny Walker.

Q: Which fight is considered the "people's main event"? A: The co-main event, Brian Ortega versus Aljamain Sterling, is widely regarded as the "people's main event." It features two top-ranked, highly skilled grapplers and is anticipated to be the overall best fight on the card.

Q: Is Kefir Crosby's UFC career at risk at UFC Shanghai? A: Yes, Kefir Crosby's UFC career is significantly at risk. He is on a two-fight loss streak, both by first-round submissions, and needs a win at UFC Shanghai to avoid being cut from the organization.

Q: Who is the top prospect to watch at UFC Shanghai? A: Looney Kavanaaugh is highlighted as one of the best prospects in the entire sport. He is undefeated, well-rounded, and an exciting fighter known for seeking finishes, making his fight against Charles Johnson a must-watch.