Zhang Mingyang only has one certainty in his fighting life so far: If he walks away hand up, it’ll be after quick work.
That was the case again Saturday when Mingyang (18-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC) tore through Ozzy Diaz (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in less than a half-round to open up the main card at UFC Fight Night 248 in Macau. Mingyang’s light heavyweight knockout finish came courtesy of a lethal elbow that he said was something he planned on having available.
“I prepared so many weapons in my arsenal – this is one of them,” Mingyang told the UFC through a translator after his win. “When I studied my opponent, I felt there was a big hole when he throws his cross – and there was a chance I can throw an elbow to hurt him, and I did it.”
Mingyang’s win came in front of his home fans in China and also scored his second straight Performance of the Night bonus for an extra $50,000.
It also extended the 26-year-old’s impressive overall record of first-round finishes in all 18 of his pro wins. And that definitely put a spark into the fans.
“It’s kind of like I achieved my little dream – because I always wanted to fight in China to entertain my people at home,” Mingyang said. “I know they waited for a UFC event for such a long time. They can feel the energy of a UFC fight, the atmosphere, and be entertained – and I’m very happy I did that. I made them happy. I’m very happy about that.”
Now that he’s got his proverbial sea legs in the promotion two fights in, the former Road to UFC contestant is starting to look at the bigger picture. In 2025, he wants the kinds of opponents that lead to more money, more prestige and the kind of resume that puts him into title consideration at light heavyweight.
“There are so many plans in my mind, but I think next year, please – I’m looking forward to some big things. UFC – I deserve a bigger contract. I deserve a bigger opponent, a bigger fight,” Mingyang said. “If you give me a ‘money’ fight, I can fight anyone in this division.”
“Next year, (I’m) looking forward to some big things.”
Zhang Mingyang is hoping to climb the light heavyweight division quickly after tallying another knockout win.#UFCMacau Results, Interviews & More
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— UFC News (@UFCNews) November 23, 2024
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 248.