Johnny Walker

Johnny Walker kept up with his whimsical tendencies, somehow ending up on bottom just five seconds into the fight. His opponent, Zhang Mingyang had never won a fight that went past the first round. Despite facing some adversity in the first five minutes against the clearly very dangerous Zhang, the Brazilian survived the initial onslaught and got a TKO finish in the second round after landing some heavy calf kicks. This was an important win for Walker to keep his position as a flawed, but entertaining member of this division. He tried to call out Jan Blachowicz, but I’m doubtful this victory will move him far up enough to warrant a name like that. Instead, I think the UFC probably just looks to book the Bogdan Guskov fight again. It was an intriguing matchup back when it was booked in January, but fast forward a couple of wins for each and it just got even more interesting.

Walker’s next fight: Bogdan Guskov

Aljamain Sterling

It wasn’t the most thrilling affair, but the former bantamweight champion did get back in the win column, earning a wide unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega. In terms of name value, the win is nice for Sterling, but it won’t do much for his case in the title picture at featherweight. It was more about Ortega looking old than Sterling putting on a masterclass. At 36, he knows that if he is to go on a title run in his new division, the time is now. Even he acknowledged feeling the age a bit more in his post-fight interview. It probably explains why despite knowing he didn’t put on a show, he still tried to shoot his shot at Alexander Volkanovski. There is simply no way he will be rewarded with a title shot after this fight. The good thing for Aljo is he’s not alone in his boat floating in limbo. Yair Rodriguez also suffered a bad loss to the current champion and is coming off a pretty lacklustre win himself. This makes the matchmaking fairly straightforward, in my opinion. Let’s book the Funk Master vs El Pantera and see who of two can produce a highlight reel worthy of an exit from purgatory.

Sterling’s next fight: Yair Rodriguez

Sergei Pavlovich

Though he got back in the win column earlier this year against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Sergei Pavlovich wasn’t a fan of his performance in that fight. Even if he went to the judges’ scorecards once again, Pavlovich looked a lot more purposeful and confident this time around. The fight mainly went the distance due to Waldo Cortes-Acosta somehow eating the big bombs that Pavlovich has folded people with, in the past. While getting back-to-back wins is important after suffering consecutive losses, that is now four fights where the Russian has failed to deliver one of his previously signature knockouts. For that reason, I expect him to have to fight backwards once more before getting the opportunity to get back into the title picture. The next card has a fight between perennial top 10 heavyweight Marcin Tybura and former PFL champion Ante Delija on it. The winner would be a fitting opponent for Pavlovich, at this point in time.

Pavlovich’s next fight: Tybura/Delija winner

Sumudaerji

Sumudaerji earned a second consecutive win as he comfortably outpointed Kevin Borjas over the course of three rounds. After overcoming a three-fight skid against veterans Matt Schnell, Tim Elliott and Charles Johnson, the Chinese fighter has now found some momentum again. I don’t think he should be headed for the rankings again just yet, but he’s probably just one fight away. Other streaking unranked flyweights like Allan Nascimento and Andre Lima could be fine options, but I went with Rafael Estevam. The undefeated Estevam has missed weight twice in three UFC bouts, so there is a chance he will be forced to move up a division. But as long as the promotion is willing to keep him at 125lbs, he’s the right opponent for Sumudaerji.

Sumudaerji’s next fight: Rafael Estevam

Taiyilake Nueraji

The 24-year-old Nueraji came into this fight with an 11-1 record, including ten first-round finishes, with nine coming by knockout. Not everyone making their short notice debut would get main card treatment, but he did, and that speaks to what the UFC believe they have in him. However, a blatant foul as he kneed Kiefer Crosbie in the head while he was down really does put an asterisk to this performance. He was dominating before the foul, but it’s still impossible to ignore its impact. Despite what looked like a promising debut, I don’t think Nueraji gets to earn an upgrade in his level of competition. He needs to pretend like he still hasn’t debuted. Someone like Preston Parsons is always a good opponent to test prospects like this.

Nueraji’s next fight: Preston Parsons

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Zhang Mingyang

Johnny Walker crumbled Zhang Mingyang on Saturday handing the “Mountain Tiger” his first loss in six years and 12 fights. Zhang, who entered the fight ranked at #14 in the division is now 3-1 within the UFC. Walker entered the fight ranked at #13. Tough loss that kills a lot of momentum for Zhang, as that would have been a massive victory and feather in his cap, in front of his home country as well.

A good next opponent for the 27-year-old light heavyweight would be against the winner of Modestas Bukauskas vs Paul Craig.

Now this might be a bit of a head scratcher matchup, but Zhang is still young, has a solid record and plenty of time to ascend the ranks. Why rush? Paul Craig and Modestas Bukauskas are scheduled to fight on September 6th so the timing could be perfect. Craig is a nearly 10-year UFC vet with a 9-9-1, 1 NC record with the UFC. Craig moved up to light heavyweight after a three-fight skid at 185lbs, losing to big names like Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho and Bo Nickal. His most recent fight, against Rodolfo Bellato, ended in a no contest from an up kick. Bukauskas is 6-4 within the UFC and has won three of his last four fights. Modestas was last in the cage back in May when he snagged a split decision win opposite of Ion Cutelaba.

Both of these guys are seasoned vets that have had past struggles but are still respectable names. Neither are currently ranked, but who knows if Zhang will remain ranked or slip out of the updated rankings. Winner gets a ranking.

Zhang’s next fight: Winner of Modestas Bukauskas vs Paul Craig

Brian Ortega

Aljamain Sterling outworked Brian Ortega on his way to a unanimous decision victory in the co-main event of UFC Shanghai Saturday. The story heading into the fight was Ortega’s abysmal weight cut which forced the fight to take place at a catchweight of 153lbs. With the loss, T-City falls to 8-5, 1 NC in the UFC. Ortega has lost four of his last five bouts dating to his 2021 title challenge against Alexander Volkanovski.

Ortega entered the cage on Saturday ranked at #5 within the featherweight division while his opponent was ranked at #7. Brian’s next fight should be against Aaron Pico if he decides to try and stay at featherweight. This pick is from a previous edition of losers and could still work although not nearly as practical of a matchup after Ortega’s performance. Pico looked good in his UFC debut, till he didn’t, receiving a spinning elbow from Lerone Murphy that flatlined him at UFC 319.

If Ortega elects to move up to 155lbs, a fight between the loser of Benoit Saint-Denis and Mauricio Ruffy makes a lot of sense. The pair are slated to do battle on September 6th. Benoit Saint Denis is currently ranked at #13 while Ruffy is ranked at #15. Giving Ortega the loser of this bout would make a lot of sense as both fighters have name power. Brian’s first fight at lightweight should be notable but with how shark infested the division is, the matchup can’t be completely unwarranted. Either guy offers a unique and dangerous scrap for Ortega which he always embraces.

Ortega’s next fight at 145lbs: Aaron Pico

Ortega’s next fight at 155lbs: Benoit Saint-Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy loser

Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Serghei Pavlovich secured a unanimous decision victory against Waldo Cortes-Acosta on Saturday. Waldo absorbed some big shots on his way to just his second loss in his pro career. Waldo is now 7-2 within the UFC and entered the fight on Saturday ranked at #6. Serghei entered the fight ranked at #8 within the heavyweight division.

A solid next opponent for Cortes-Acosta would be Tai Tuivasa. It’s a name fans haven’t heard in a while. The big fella hasn’t competed in over a year since losing a split decision to Jairzinho Rozenstruik in August of 2024. Rozenstruik has since been released from the promotion. This has the makings to be a great banger. Tai loves to strike, Waldo has good boxing, cardio and a great chin. Definitely has the ingredients to be a wild fight. Waldo would have to wait a few months, but it could potentially make sense with the damage he took at UFC Shanghai.

Tai has lost his last five fights but against stellar competition (Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura and Jairzinho Rozenstruik). This fight has main card written all over it and could even sneak into a PPV line up. Winner would likely receive a top #5-7 ranking, maybe even higher, with a finish.

Cortes-Acosta’s next fight: Tai Tuivasa

Kevin Borjas

Kevin Borjas was thrashed by Sumudaerji on the main card of UFC Shanghai Saturday, on his way to a unanimous decision defeat. With the loss the 2023 Contender Series product is now just 1-3 in the UFC. Kevin’s lone victory with the promotion came in March of this year against Ronaldo Rodriguez. However, Kevin’s debut loss has a bit of an asterisk next to it considering it was opposite the streaking Joshua Van. Needless to say, Kevin is still in a bit of a hot seat here.

All things considered, Kevin’s next fight should be against loser of Azat Maksum vs Mitch Raposo. That fight is pretty far out and currently scheduled for late October. Edgar Chairez is the matchup that makes the most sense, but he’s injured (they were previously scheduled to fight each other, both have 1-1 record since then). So, the loser of Azat vs Mitch will have to do. Mitch has a common opponent and outcome as he also lost a decision to Sumudaerji in April. Raposo is currently 0-2 with the UFC but both have been split decision losses. Azat is 1-2 with the UFC but his two losses are decisions against solid guys: Charles Johnson and Tagir Ulanbekov. His only win in the UFC was his debut a split decision nod against Tyson Nam. Giving Borjas the loser makes a lot of sense, and the loser of the bout would likely be cut.

Borjas’s next fight: Azat Maksum vs Mitch Raposo loser

Kiefer Crosbie

Taiyilake Nueraji took less than a round to stop Kiefer Crosbie to open the main event of UFC Shanghai on Saturday. Crosbie, a seven-fight veteran of Bellator, is now 0-3 in the UFC since being signed in 2023. Kiefer has been finished in the first round in every one of his fights (Kevin Jousset and Sam Patterson prior to Saturday). Considering it was Nueraji’s UFC debut and that Kevin has been cut by the UFC, Crosbie will likely be cut.

If Crosbie is not released from the promotion a good next opponent would be either Adam Fuggit or Billy Ray Goff. Fuggit is 2-3 within the UFC. Adam was last in action on July 19th, when Islam Dulatov took less than a round to stop him. Fuggit, like Crosbie, has also been stopped in all of his losses. Another good option would be a fight against Billy Ray Goff who is 1-2 within the UFC. Billy last fought in May and was submitted by Ramiz Brahimaj. Loser of this bout gets cut- full stop. Super competitive weight class and these guys currently are struggling to be UFC caliber.

Crosbie’s next fight: Adam Fuggit or Billy Ray Goff

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The Fight Night card, marking the promotion’s return to mainland China, produced some explosive action, enough so that company officials ditched the Fight of the Night bonus, and instead handed out for Performance of the Night awards following the event.

The bonuses (for now, though they are expected to rise with the onset of the Paramount+ broadcast deal in 2026) stand at $50,000 U.S.

Among the winners, headliner Johnny Walker, who weathered some heavy offense from China’s own Zhang Mingyang in the night’s main event. Mingyang appeared to have hurt Walker on several occasions, but a leg kick, several in fact, felled the Chinese light heavyweight in the second round. With Mingyang down and vulnerable, Walker piled on for the TKO finish.

Walker’s first fight, and win of 2025 was also his first victory since May of 2023.

Kyle Daukaus was fighting in the UFC for the first time since 2022 when he faced Michel Pereira in a middleweight battle on the UFC Shanghai preliminary card. An odd placement for such a high-profile fight, and it was Daukaus earning a knockout finish inside of a minute, though Pereira would briefly protest.

Charles Johnson, who knocked out flyweight prospect Lone’er Kavanagh, and Uran Satybaldiev, who flashed shades of Aleksei Oleinik with an Ezekiel choke submission of Diyar Nurgozhay in the night’s curtain jerker, won the remaining two Performance bonuses.

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Mingyang was coming off a win over Anthony “Lionheart” Smith in Smith’s retirement fight.

Right off the bell, Mingyang got the fight down, putting Walker on his back after Walker’s own takedown attempt backfired. That gave Mingyang some space for elbows, while Walker stayed mobile off his back. He would make it back up, soon circling on the outside while Mingyang walked him down. A right hand by the Chinese star hit home, and Walker clinched up, looking for a takedown. Walker jabbed with his left and connected at least once, then circled, doing laps of the octagon on the outside. Walker ripped a leg kick, Mingyang answered with a right hand.

With a minute remaining in the opening round, Walker shot for a takedown, only to see it stuffed. Mingyang responded with an elbow that hurt Walker. Nasty.

Round two saw Walker rocked again early care of a Mingyang right hand. But Walker saw the momentum shift in his direction when a leg kick (a series of them really) felled Mingyang. Zhang was hurt! Walker was all over him, dropping punches on the downed Mingyang while standing. Mingyang nearly made it back up, but couldn’t, with Walker raining down more blows before the ref finally waved things up! Out came the worm, as Johnny Walker did his traditional celebratory dance. The leg kicks changed the course of the UFC Shanghai main event, giving Walker a big win over a rising Chinese star.

LEVELS TO THIS GAME 🫡@JohnnyWalker earns the R2 TKO in enemy territory tonight!

[ #UFCShanghai ] pic.twitter.com/006OlP4NS8

— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2025

Official Result: Johnny Walker def. Zhang Mingyang by TKO, Round 2, 2:37

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The last two fighters to hit the scales, rumors were flying that Ortega had been hospitalized and was out of the fight. An ambulance had been seen at the fighter hotel, related or not, but as it turned out, the fight was on. At a catchweight, however, with both men weighing in at 153 pounds.

While the weight issue was reportedly on Ortega’s side, it mattered not. “T-City” versus “The Funkmaster” was a go. A former 135lb champ (Sterling) versus a former featherweight title challenger (Ortega), in a five-round co-main event.

Whether Ortega was compromised by a tough weight cut wasn’t apparent early, but Aljamain Sterling the one pressing forward. Sterling chopped at Ortega’s lead leg, inside and out. In a low-output round, Ortega was single-digits in strikes landed, while neither man appeared to have any thought of a takedown.

The leg kicks continued for Aljamain Sterling in round two; Ortega was showing a bit of redness as a result. Sterling was still well ahead in the striking department, though he nearly created an opening for Ortega with a spinning attack. Ortega’s lead leg was showing some welts or lumps. Aljo then landed a punch that saw Ortega complaining about an eye poke. The ref ruled it a punch, but Sterling actually stopped and opted to give Ortega a break, a questionable tactical move to say the least. Good sportsmanship, but a replay did show it was a punch. Ortega got his break, the round closed out, and Sterling had given away a chance to finish.

Sterling nearly had a takedown off a caught kick in the third, but he couldn’t quite dump Ortega. “T-City” was still having output issues, but he at least hadn’t slowed either. Ortega slipped, tripped up by an Aljo leg kick. Ortega then landed a kick of his own, as the pair traded kicks tit-for-tat. Sterling went upstairs with a kick, after feinting a spinning attack. The crowd was getting restless after three low-action rounds; Ortega’s corner was restless as well, telling their fighter they needed “this whole minute” as the round wore down. Sterling finished the frame with a spinning attack.

Round four found Ortega more than likely behind on the scorecards. Sterling was still moving well, staying outside, forcing Ortega to follow. Ortega tried to cut off the cage, and finally connected with a combination that led to a clinch with just under two minutes remaining in the fourth. Sterling, however, was in control in a flash, pressing Ortega into the fence, then landing a takedown. One minute was on the clock, and Ortega didn’t have much time to work. Sterling was in Ortega’s guard, which he soon closed. Ortega then used the fence to spin himself around, while Sterling fired off some ground n’ pound before the horn sounded.

Ortega’s corner called for a finish, preferably early in the round, ahead of the fifth. He came out with a little more pep in his step, and they’d soon clinched up. That didn’t last long, and Ortega then changed levels for a takedown only to end up reversed and on his back. Near the midway mark, Ortega clipped Sterling with a right hand. Suddenly, Aljo was retreating, and Ortega, after four and a half rounds, was finally in the fight. Ref Herb Dean then warned Sterling for timidity after he continued to retreat. Two minutes remains, and Sterling ducked under, slipped around and took the back. He’d end up dragging Ortega down, taking the back briefly but ended up in guard. That left Ortega firing hammerfists off his back, while Sterling landed body shots. Sterling opened up, Ortega nearly scrambled out, but instead Sterling got back on top, with the pair punching back-and-forth on the ground until the horn sounded.

Official Result: Aljamain Sterling def. Brian Ortega by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

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Pavlovich, the favorite coming in, entered off a decision victory over Jair Rozenstruik, who had since been sent packing from the promotion. Cortes-Acosta had won five straight.

The big men were a little gun-shy early, with Pavlovich backing Cortes-Acosta up to the fence. When Pavlovich did uncork a right hand, he landed, though more significant perhaps was the clash of heads that ensued. Still, they fought on, exchanging in bursts. Cortes-Acosta connected to the side of the head, but Pavlovich took that well and returned fire. Waldo ripped a kick, Pavlovich countered with a right that landed clean. Cortes-Acosta also found the mark with an overhand right of his own.

In round two, Cortes-Acosta targeted the body with his jab. Nearly two minutes in, Pavlovich uncorked a combination that saw a right hand catch Cortes-Acosta. To Waldo’s credit (or to his chin’s), he ate it, but too many of those and he might end up caught napping. Another right hand, then a straight left, connected for Pavlovich with about two minutes left. Sergei then caught Cortes-Acosta on the way in with a check hook, though again, he shook it off.

Pavlovich connected big one again about a minute into the third. And once again, Cortes-Acosta was kept in the fight by his granite chin. The Russian mixed in leg kicks, continued to have success with his hands, and was almost certainly well ahead on the scorecards. Cortes-Acosta found himself tagged alongside the fence with 90 seconds to go, though he stayed standing. Moments later, another right hand landed for Pavlovich. Cortes-Acosta, too durable for his own good, would not go away. His only offense, however, was to explode forward, exposing himself as he did so. Cortes-Acosta pointed to the floor in the final ten seconds, and while Pavlovich stood and traded, it wasn’t quite a Max Holloway moment.

Official Result: Sergei Pavlovich def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

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The event marked the first in mainland China for the UFC since prior to the coronavirus pandemic, with fans firmly behind “The Tibetan Eagle” Mudaerji.

Mudaerji attacked with kicks early, keeping Borjas on the outside at times, though there was a fair amount of feeling out and back-and-forth. Borjas, however, more often than not was playing the counter game. The action was briefly paused, as Su Mudaerji was warned for having his fingers outstretched.

Later in the round, Borjas would drive Mudaerji up against the fence. He could not, however, land a takedown. A bit of standup work closed out the frame.

Action was halted again early in round two, as Borjas was grazed by an eye poke. That led to a hard warning from the ref, but no point deduction. Action then resumed, over four minute still on the clock. They’d end up in a clinch again, Borjas ripped left hands to the body, pressing Mudaerji against the fence. Not for long, as Mudaerji broke free, heading back to center. As the round wore on, Mudaerji fired off a creative mix of kicks, and executed a spinning back fist late in the round, at least partially blocked but impressive nevertheless.

Mudaerji continued to land kicks to the body in round three, and defended a Borjas takedown attempt in the first half of the round. Borjas was able to pin “The Tibetan Eagle” against the fence, but couldn’t do anything with the position and soon had it taken away by the ref. Back at center, Mudaerji fired his left hand. Then a high kick. Borjas was almost certainly behind on the scorecards. Another takedown was fended off by Mudaerji around the final minute. In a clinch, Su Mudaerji landed a nasty elbow on Borjas, who dropped down briefly but scrambled away. Still, with his path to victory, wrestling, nullified, Borjas saw the fight slip away.

Official Result: Su Mudaerji def. Kevin Borjas by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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Crosbie was 0-2 in the UFC, and had previously competed for Bellator MMA.

There was no hesitation in the UFC Shanghai main-card opener as Nueraji and Crosbie went to the ground following an opening kick. Crosbie worked off his back, threatening with a triangle that wasn’t quite in place. The “Super Saiyan” Nueraji opened up with elbows, smashing some heavy blows down before Crosbie latched on to a leg and rolled. He didn’t have the submission, instead using it to try and escape, only for Nueraji to mount. Crosbie would scramble and regain guard, though he was still eating big, big elbows from Nueraji.

Calamity from there, as a brutal illegal knee was landed by Nueraji. Crosbie was split open, dripping blood everywhere. The doc was brought in to check on Crosbie, while ref Marc Goddard took not one but two points for the flagrant foul. Crosbie took very little time, and Nueraji went right back at him. He had Crosbie flattened out along the fence, raining down elbows until Goddard was forced to make the save. A debut win for Taiyilake Nueraji, marred by the foul, but still a stoppage is what will show in the record books.

Official Result: Taiyilake Nueraji def. Keifer Crosbie by TKO, Round 1, 3:33

Article updated to reflect Crosbie’s correct UFC record.

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Young had come up short on the Contender Series in 2024 but was brought into the UFC following a win on the regional circuit to face Evan Elder in a losing effort on short notice. Maheshate was 2-3 in the UFC overall, and coming off a loss to Niklas Motta.

Maheshate found himself clipped with a head kick by Young just ahead of the midway mark, though going down might have been more of a balance issue than anything, and he was right back up. Moments later, all momentum was halted, with a pair of interruptions and multiple warnings to both men for having their fingers extended. Towards the final minute, Young pursued a takedown, ending up with a close but no cigar situation was Maheshate bounced back up immediately from the attempt. The Chinese fighter then attempted a thrown, and a second, but Young was able to counter those.

Maheshate exploded forward, landing a solid blow to open round two. He flashed a front kick, while Young double pumped his jab and mixed in kicks of his own. The pair traded back and forth through the bulk of the round, each landing several significant blows. Maheshate seemed to be taking over, but in the final minute, Young changed levels and landed a key takedown. With about 45 seconds to work, Young worked from half-guard, moving to mount. Maheshate gave up his back, but he slipped free moments late.

Young pursued a takedown early in the third, but wouldn’t land it. Still, the first half of the round found him in control, tying things up along the fence. Maheshate finally broke free with about two minutes left, landing a few solid strikes, stepping in with elbows and lashing out with his right hand. Young tried to get inside on the taller man, and briefly tied things up again. In the final minute, Young popped off a combo while Maheshate shelled up, but the Chinese fighter was unharmed and struck back. He’d try another throw form a clinch, and they’d end the fight there.

Official Result: Gauge Young def. Maheshate by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

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It was a trip halfway across the world for both fighters, and a chance to crack the top 15 for Kavanagh, a 25-year old with an unblemished 9-0 record to start the night. Johnson is a veteran who had turned back prospects like Joshua Van and Jake Hadley in the past.

Kavanagh started with an low leg kick early that got Johnson’s attention. Johnson seemed considerably bigger in the cage but the lightning fast kicks of Kavanagh were finding a home. A short left hook by Kavanagh landed right on the eye of Johnson. Starting to retreat, Johnson seemed visibly affected by the shot. Midway through the round, Johnson entered the clinch but was pushed off by Kavanagh seconds later. The speed of Kavanagh was very impressive as he ripped combinations to the body and head of Johnson.

A beautiful uppercut by Kavanagh found a home in the back end of round one, as he was finding major success on the feet. A spinning back kick by the English prospect narrowly missed at the bell, as Kavanagh jumped out to an early 1-0 lead. The second round saw Johnson enter in on a single leg takedown in the first minute, but was countered with a guillotine attempt that allowed Kavanagh to get back to the feet. Seconds after Kavanagh attempted another guillotine and a takedown of his own. Johnson was slammed moments later before returning to his feet. Once on the feet, Kavanagh seemed to be tiring as Johnson landed a few shots against the fence. As he circled backward Johnson stepped in with a right hook that landed on the button. Kavanagh never saw the shot coming and was put down immediately from the punch.

Johnson followed up with a few more shots and put a stamp on this statement win. The Saint Louis native once again turned back a promising prospect at 125-pounds, earning an impressive KO win that should get him a bonus. The former LFA champion could skyrocket up the rankings next week and deserves a massive fight next time out.

Official Result: Charles Johnson def. Lone’er Kavanagh by KO, Round 2, 4:35

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