Setting the table for a superb offering of amazing bouts in Shanghai, the UFC shines the spotlight on the light heavyweight category when power-punching prodigy Mingyang Zhang goes toe-to-toe with Brazilian star Johnny Walker. In the co-main event, featherweight legend Brian Ortega tests himself against previous bantamweight gold standard Aljamain Sterling.
UFC Fight Night 257 Main Event
In the midst of a 12-fight winning streak, Zhang has thrust himself into notoriety after picking up a trio of first round stoppages in his three UFC appearances so far, earning three performance bonuses in those fights. Now standing amongst the best that the 205-lb class has to offer, “Mountain Tiger” is ready to maul his way up the rankings with a victory in his home country of China.
A veteran of 14 contests inside the Octagon, Walker has made a name for himself for his wide-array of highlight-reel finishes over stern opposition such as Ryan Spann, Anthony Smith and Khalil Rountree Jr. Although currently in a two-bout skid, the SBG representative remains eager to make it back into the winner’s circle and top contender status.
UFC Fight Night 257 Co-Main Event
A two-time championship challenger, Ortega has been near the higher end of 145-lb for over a decade, proven by his incredible victories over Cub Swanson, Frankie Edgar, The Korean Zombie and Yair Rodriguez. Going 1-3 in his past four scraps, a statement-making performance in Shanghai is all but necessary for “T-City” if he wishes to keep himself relevant in the upper echelon of the weight class.
September 14, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: BRIAN ORTEGA fights in a 3-round Featherweight bout at UFC 306 Riyadh Season Noche UFC at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Las Vegas USA – ZUMAs346 20240914_zsp_s346_056 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx
For several years, Sterling ruled the 135-lb division with an iron fist, racking up three title defenses while besting fellow former champions Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo. On a mission to rebound after a disappointing loss to Movsar Evloev last year, “Funkmaster” takes on another accomplished grappler in the storied Rener Gracie-trained black belt Ortega.
More Bouts On the Main Card
Rounding out the main card, heavyweight juggernaut Sergei Pavlovich battles the streaking Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Then, Chinese flyweight Sumudaerji locks horns with Peruvian prospect Kevin Borjas. Finally, Taiyilake Nueraji makes his UFC debut when he encounters Irish standout Kiefer Crosbie.
UFC Fight Night 257 Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.
Find our UFC Fight Night 257 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after PFL 10 (2025):
Hank Strandberg: 141-79
Drew Zuhosky: 112-108
Frazer Krohn: 105-78
Jeremy Brand: 104-78
Andrew Benjamin: 32-90
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Taiyilake Nueraji -500
Vs.
Kiefer Crosbie +375
WELTERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Nueraji by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Nueraji by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Nueraji by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Crosbie by First Round Knockout
Staff picking Nueraji: 3
Staff picking Crosbie: 1
Su Mudaerji -160
Vs.
Kevin Borjas +140
FLYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Mudaerji by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Mudaerji by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Borjas by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Mudaerji by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Mudaerji: 3
Staff picking Borjas: 1
Sergey Pavlovich -255
Vs.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta +215
HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Pavlovich by First Round Knockout
Hank Strandberg: Cortes-Acosta by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Cortes-Acosta by First Round Knockout
Frazer Kron: Pavlovich by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking Pavlovich: 2
Staff picking Cortes-Acosta: 2
Aljamain Sterling -395
Vs.
Brian Ortega +330
CATCHWEIGHT 155-lb
Jeremy Brand: Ortega by Third Round Submission
Hank Strandberg: Sterling by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Sterling by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Sterling by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Sterling: 3
Staff picking Ortega: 1
Mingyang Zhang -335
Vs.
Johnny Walker +275
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Walker by Second Round Submission
Hank Strandberg: Zhang by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Zhang by First Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Zhang by First Round Knockout
Staff picking Zhang: 3
Staff picking Walker: 1