UFC Fight Night 257 Walker vs Mingyang: Preview, fight card, start time, where to watch & more
(Courtesy : UFC)
UFC Shanghai this week comes with a stacked match card!
The UFC is making a long-awaited return to Shanghai, China, as UFC Fight Night 257 delivers a card packed with international talent and high-stakes clashes.
It’s been nearly eight years since the Octagon last touched down in Shanghai, and the promotion is coming back in a big way, headlined by a light heavyweight showdown that could reshape the division’s landscape.
Brazilian knockout artist Johnny Walker, ranked #13, enters the main event with his back against the wall. Known for his wild, unpredictable striking and highlight-reel finishes, Walker is fighting to stay relevant after suffering consecutive setbacks.
Standing across from him is China’s own Zhang Mingyang, better known to fans as the “Mountain Tiger.” Ranked #14, Zhang has taken the division by storm with a streak of emphatic first-round stoppages, including a career-defining win that forced veteran contender Anthony Smith into retirement.
For Walker, it’s a fight that could keep him in the mix. For Zhang, it’s the chance to seize the spotlight at home and prove himself as a legitimate contender.
The stacked card also features Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling, Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and several Chinese prospects ready to shine in front of their home fans.
UFC Fight Night 257: Walker vs Mingyang Main card
- Johnny Walker vs Zhang Mingyang (Light Heavyweight)
- Brian Ortega vs Aljamain Sterling (Catchweight of 153 pounds)
- Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Heavyweight)
- Su Mudaerji vs Kevin Borjas (Flyweight)
- Taiyilake Nueraji vs Kiefer Crosbie (Lightweight)
UFC Fight Night 257 Walker vs Mingyang Preliminary card
- Maheshate Hayisaer vs Gauge Young
- Lone’er Kavanagh vs Charles Johnson
- Rong Zhu vs Austin Hubbard
- Michel Pereira vs Kyle Daukaus
- Yi Zha vs Westin Wilson
- Xiao Long vs You Su-young
- Uran Satybaldiev vs Diyar Nurgozhay
Johnny Walker vs Zhang Mingyang (Light Heavyweight)
UFC Fight Night 257 is set to close the night with a light heavyweight showdown that promises fireworks, as Johnny Walker takes on China’s own Zhang Mingyang. Walker, the charismatic Brazilian sitting inside the top 15, is renowned for his explosive knockout power and unpredictable style, which makes him a must-watch every time he steps into the Octagon. But after a string of tough losses, this fight is a crucial chance for him to prove he still belongs among the division’s elite.
On the other side stands Zhang, one of the fastest-rising names in Chinese MMA. Nicknamed the “Mountain Tiger,” he’s built a reputation as a ruthless finisher, storming through opponents with his aggressive striking and penchant for ending fights early. Competing on home soil in Shanghai, Zhang has the perfect stage to deliver a career-defining performance and officially announce himself as a true contender in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
With Walker desperate to get back on track and Zhang hungry to make his breakthrough in front of his home crowd, this main event carries huge implications for both men. The outcome could shake up the division and set the course for a new face in the title picture.
Brian Ortega vs Aljamain Sterling (Catchweight of 153 pounds)
The co-main event of UFC Fight Night 257 brings a blockbuster featherweight matchup, as Brian Ortega squares off with former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling in a five-round showdown.
Ortega is a two-time title challenger at 145 pounds. He has long been recognized as one of the most dangerous submission specialists in the sport. With his slick jiu-jitsu and relentless pressure, he’s proven capable of turning a fight on its head in an instant.
Standing opposite him is Sterling, making his highly anticipated debut at featherweight after an accomplished run as the UFC bantamweight champion. Known for his high fight IQ, grappling-heavy style, and ability to adapt against elite opponents, Sterling now looks to test himself in a new division where the competition is as fierce as ever.
What makes this matchup particularly intriguing is the rare five-round co-headliner status without a title on the line, an indication of the stakes both men bring to the Octagon.
For Ortega, it’s a chance to reclaim momentum and remind the division of his threat as a perennial contender. For Sterling, it’s an opportunity to make a statement in his new weight class and potentially fast-track himself into the featherweight title conversation.
The bout was originally scheduled as a featherweight bout, but during the official weigh-ins, UFC announced that Ortega and Sterling’s bout would now be contested at a catchweight of 153 pounds.
Date, Time and Venue
| Event Details | Information |
| Date | Saturday, August 23, 2025 |
| Venue | Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Shanghai, China |
| Capacity | Approximately 18,000 |
| Main Card Start Time (ET) | 6:00 AM ET / 3:00 AM PT |
| Main Card Start Time (India) | 3:30 PM IST (August 23) |
| Prelims Start Time (ET) | 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT |
| Prelims Start Time (India) | 12:30 PM IST (August 23) |
Where to watch UFC Fight Night 257: Walker vs Mingyang in India?
UFC Fight Night 257, Walker vs Mingyang, will air live on Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv in India.
Where to watch around the globe?
To catch all the action of UFC Fight Night 257, Walker vs Mingyang, prelims, and early prelims, tune in to ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, while the main card will be available on ESPN+ and Disney+.
What time does UFC Fight Night 257: Walker vs Mingyang start in India and the US?
The prelims begin at 12:30 PM IST (India) / 3:00 AM ET (US), and the main card starts at 3:30 PM IST (India) / 6:00 AM ET (US) on August 23, 2025.
Where is UFC Fight Night 257 taking place, and what is the capacity of the venue?
The event will be held at Shanghai Indoor Stadium in Shanghai, China, which has an approximate capacity of 18,000 spectators.
How can fans watch UFC Fight Night 257: Walker vs Mingyang?
Fans in the US can watch the event live on ESPN+, while those in other regions should check local listings or UFC Fight Pass for broadcasts.
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