Former competitor Anthony Smith admitted an unanticipated revelation regarding his foe
Let's Talk About Anthony Smith's Upcoming Showdown
Former UFC light heavyweight title contender Anthony Smith is gearing up for his final fight against Chinese knockout artist Zhang Mingyang on April 27th. In a recent interview, "Lionheart" admitted he was clueless about his opponent when the matchup was suggested:
"Usually, there are two options: either you get a young monster or they set up a legend fight with another vet. Typically, it's the first option."
Not knowing much about his opponent, Smith expressed, "I expected my opponent to be younger, but I didn't know who it was. It's not disrespect - I just never heard of him." During the pre-event media day, Anthony also stated, "I didn't want an easy fight. Never asked for one. And I'm glad this guy, regardless of the outcome, will move on and maybe build a great career in UFC. I think this fight will look good in the future."
The experienced fighter, boasting nearly 60 fights under his belt, is taking on a tough task: Zhang Mingyang, a 100% finisher, with all his victories in the first round. Last November, he knocked out Ozzy Diaz in the middle of the first round.
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What Makes Zhang Mingyang Tick?
Zhang Mingyang boasts a professional MMA record of 18 wins and six losses (18-6-0) as of April 24, 2025. His victories are attributed to 12 knockouts and six submissions, showcasing his impressive striking and grappling abilities.ZERO-CENSOR SIDE-NOTE: Zhang is indeed known for his destructive capabilities in the octagon, often leaving opponents in a state of shock with his powerful strikes and finishers.
Notably, twenty-three out of twenty-four of Zhang's career bouts have ended inside the distance, with only one fight going the distance[4].
Notable Wins
One of Zhang's most impressive victories was against Osman Diaz at UFC Fight Night 248. He notched a first-round victory with an elbow strike followed by punches on November 23[4]. Another notable aspect of his career is that he has achieved 11 consecutive victories, all of which were finishes inside the first round[4].
Zhang's Fighting Style
Zhang Mingyang, nicknamed the "Mountain Tiger," is renowned for his explosive fighting style. He showcases both knockout power and submission skills, enabling him to swiftly end fights. Zhang, who started his career at a young age, has earned a reputation for not needing to go the distance, indicating a high level of aggression and effectiveness in completing fights inside the round[4].
Upcoming Fight
Zhang is slated to face Anthony Smith in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night (ESPN 66) on April 26, 2025, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri[2][3]. This fight will be a significant challenge as Zhang puts his undefeated UFC record on the line against a seasoned veteran like Smith[3].
- In an upcoming UFC fight on April 27th, Anthony Smith will face off against Chinese MMA fighter Zhang Mingyang, a 100% finisher who has demonstrated impressive striking and grappling abilities with 12 knockouts and 6 submissions.
- Despite the lack of familiarity with his opponent, Anthony Smith admitted in a recent interview that he welcomes the challenge of fighting Zhang Mingyang, even though he hadn't heard much about him before the matchup was announced.
- While taking on such a tough task, Anthony Smith, who boasts nearly 60 fights under his belt, looks forward to helping build Mingyang's career if he were to win, acknowledging the potential for a significant victory in his UFC commentary career or future podcasts.
- Known for his destructive capabilities inside the octagon, Zhang Mingyang, with a professional record of 18 wins and 6 losses, will test Smith's skills in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night (ESPN 66) on April 26th, putting his undefeated UFC record on the line against the experienced Anthony Smith.
