UFC Shanghai Results: Johnny Walker Stuns Zhang Mingyang, Sterling and Pavlovich Secure Big Wins

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UFC Shanghai Main Card Results: Walker Silences Zhang, Sterling and Pavlovich Climb, Sumudaerji and Nueralji Shine

By E. Spencer Kyte – August 23, 2025


The energy inside Shanghai Indoor Stadium reached a fever pitch on Saturday night as UFC Fight Night: Walker vs Zhang delivered a thrilling evening of fights. From the opening bout to the headlining clash, the main card carried high stakes and unforgettable moments, showcasing both seasoned contenders and rising stars.

Taiyilake Nueralji Opens With a Storm

The main card kicked off with China’s own Taiyilake Nueralji, who wasted little time making a statement. Facing Ireland’s Kiefer Crosbie, the debuting welterweight displayed raw aggression, finishing the fight in the first round with a barrage of elbows.

However, the result came with controversy as Nueralji was deducted two points for an illegal knee earlier in the contest. Crosbie chose to continue, but Nueralji quickly overwhelmed him after the restart. At just 24 years old, the Enbo Fight Club representative now boasts a 100% finishing rate, marking him as a fighter to watch in the division.

Sumudaerji Returns Home in Style

Local favorite Sumudaerji gave the Shanghai crowd plenty to cheer about in his first fight in China in over six years. Displaying precision striking and smart defense, he swept the scorecards with a clean 30-27 victory over Kevin Borjas.

Controlling the distance with his length and mixing in varied attacks, Sumudaerji frustrated Borjas, who struggled to find his rhythm. The emotional win saw Sumudaerji embrace his adoptive father in celebration, underscoring his deep connection to Enbo Fight Club and marking back-to-back wins for the talented flyweight.

Pavlovich Remains a Heavyweight Threat

Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich continued to prove why he’s a serious contender in the heavyweight ranks. In a measured and composed performance, he defeated Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

While known for his knockout power, Pavlovich showcased patience and tactical awareness, punishing Cortes-Acosta with heavy counters whenever opportunities arose. With this victory—his second of the year—he solidifies his position near the top of the division, now showing he can excel over 15 hard minutes as well as in explosive finishes.


Sterling Outclasses Ortega

In the co-main event, Aljamain “Funkmaster” Sterling delivered a masterclass in striking against former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega. Surprisingly contested almost entirely on the feet, Sterling used his sharp jab and slick movement to neutralize Ortega’s forward pressure.

Across all three rounds, Sterling dictated the tempo, earning a dominant unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45). This victory brings Sterling’s featherweight record to 2–1 and should propel him into the division’s Top 5, setting him up for another marquee matchup.

Walker Topples Zhang in the Main Event

The night concluded with an electric clash between Johnny Walker and China’s Zhang Mingyang. Despite the crowd rallying behind Zhang, Walker silenced the arena with a second-round TKO.

The first round saw both fighters trading heavy shots, but early in the second, Walker’s thudding low kicks crippled Zhang, forcing him to the canvas. Smelling blood, the Brazilian unleashed a relentless storm of strikes until referee Marc Goddard called the fight at 2:37 of Round 2.

For Walker, this was a crucial comeback victory after a year away and three fights without a win. Training out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, he showcased renewed focus and determination, halting Zhang’s rise while reigniting his own career momentum.

Final Thoughts

UFC Shanghai delivered across the board—highlighting hometown heroes, reaffirming the standing of global contenders, and closing with a dramatic main event finish. From Nueralji’s explosive debut to Sterling’s striking clinic, Pavlovich’s heavyweight statement, and Walker’s emphatic return, the night left fans buzzing with anticipation for what comes next.

One thing is clear: the UFC’s presence in Shanghai was a resounding success, and the fighters gave the crowd a night to remember.

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