Zhang Mingyang solely has one certainty in his combating life to this point: If he walks away hand up, it’ll be after fast work.
That was the case once more Saturday when Mingyang (18-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC) tore via Ozzy Diaz (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in lower than a half-round to open up the principle card at UFC Battle Evening 248 in Macau. Mingyang’s mild heavyweight knockout end got here courtesy of a deadly elbow that he stated was one thing he deliberate on having obtainable.
“I ready so many weapons in my arsenal – that is one among them,” Mingyang instructed the UFC via a translator after his win. “Once I studied my opponent, I felt there was an enormous gap when he throws his cross – and there was an opportunity I can throw an elbow to harm him, and I did it.”
Mingyang’s win got here in entrance of his house followers in China and likewise scored his second straight Efficiency of the Evening bonus for an additional $50,000.
It additionally prolonged the 26-year-old’s spectacular total document of first-round finishes in all 18 of his professional wins. And that positively put a spark into the followers.
“It’s sort of like I achieved my little dream – as a result of I at all times needed to combat in China to entertain my individuals at house,” Mingyang stated. “I do know they waited for a UFC occasion for such a very long time. They’ll really feel the power of a UFC combat, the environment, and be entertained – and I’m very blissful I did that. I made them blissful. I’m very blissful about that.”
Now that he’s obtained his proverbial sea legs within the promotion two fights in, the previous Highway to UFC contestant is beginning to take a look at the larger image. In 2025, he desires the sorts of opponents that result in extra money, extra status and the sort of resume that places him into title consideration at mild heavyweight.
“There are such a lot of plans in my thoughts, however I believe subsequent 12 months, please – I’m wanting ahead to some huge issues. UFC – I deserve a much bigger contract. I deserve a much bigger opponent, a much bigger combat,” Mingyang stated. “Should you give me a ‘cash’ combat, I can combat anybody on this division.”
“Subsequent 12 months, (I’m) wanting ahead to some huge issues.”
Zhang Mingyang is hoping to climb the sunshine heavyweight division shortly after tallying one other knockout win.#UFCMacau Outcomes, Interviews & Extra ➡️:
— UFC Information (@UFCNews) November 23, 2024
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