Johnny Walker ended his skid in emphatic fashion, stopping China’s Zhang Mingyang with a second‑round TKO at UFC Shanghai. Entering on the back of two knockout defeats and a 14‑month layoff, the Brazilian was seen as a heavy underdog but rediscovered his power to silence doubts.
Calf Kick Turns the Tide
Walker started with a surprising takedown attempt that backfired, allowing Zhang to control briefly on the ground. Back on the feet, Walker settled into a patient rhythm before landing a perfectly timed calf kick in round two. The strike hobbled Zhang, opening the door for the finishing sequence.
Emotional Victory
The result brought relief and emotion for Walker, who admitted the past year had been tough after three straight fights without a win. With his brother Valter in his corner, he described the bout as “very emotional,” noting that both he and his opponent put everything into preparation.
Message to Critics
Speaking afterward, Walker reminded doubters of his toughness. “I’ve fought top‑10 fighters for years. I take shots, I recover — I have a chin,” he said. His time training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas helped rebuild confidence, though he admitted the long break cost him sharpness early in the contest.
Looking Ahead
Walker now stands at 8‑6 with one no contest in the UFC, with the majority of his wins by knockout. When asked about his next opponent, he kept his options open, saying he doesn’t care about rankings and will take whoever the promotion puts in front of him.
Result: Johnny Walker def. Zhang Mingyang via TKO, Round 2
