At UFC Fight Night 257 in Shanghai, Johnny Walker earned a much-needed victory by stopping Zhang Mingyang via second-round TKO. After a tentative opening round where Mingyang’s boxing found some success, Walker adjusted by attacking the legs with heavy low kicks. One crippling shot dropped Mingyang, and Walker swarmed with ground-and-pound until the referee halted the action at 2:37 of Round 2. The win boosted Walker’s record to 22–9 (1 NC) and reestablished him as a factor in the light heavyweight division after back-to-back knockout losses in 2024.
The logical next step for Walker is a matchup with Bogdan Guskov. The Uzbekistani contender is surging after four straight UFC finishes, most recently a first-round knockout of Nikita Krylov in July. Ranked #10 at light heavyweight, Guskov’s power and aggressive style would make for a fan-friendly clash against Walker, who thrives in chaotic striking battles.
Stylistically, the fight is compelling. Guskov’s knockout power and willingness to exchange in the pocket would test Walker’s durability, while Walker’s length, athleticism, and unorthodox striking could exploit Guskov’s defensive gaps. Both men are looking to climb into the top 10 mix, and a matchup between them could serve as a co-main or main event on a Fight Night card, with the winner moving closer to title contention.
Last Five Fights – Johnny Walker:
1. Win over Zhang Mingyang – TKO (leg kicks and punches), UFC Fight Night 257 (August 23, 2025)
2. Loss to Volkan Oezdemir – KO (punch), UFC on ABC (June 22, 2024)
3. Loss to Magomed Ankalaev – KO (punches), UFC Fight Night (January 13, 2024)
4. NC with Magomed Ankalaev – No Contest (illegal knee), UFC 294 (October 21, 2023)
5. Win over Anthony Smith – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ABC (May 13, 2023)
Last Five Fights – Bogdan Guskov:
1. Win over Nikita Krylov – KO (punches), UFC on ABC (July 26, 2025)
2. Win over Billy Elekana – Submission (guillotine choke), UFC 311 (January 18, 2025)
3. Win over Ryan Spann – TKO (punches), UFC on ESPN (April 27, 2024)
4. Win over Zac Pauga – KO (punches), UFC Fight Night (February 10, 2024)
5. Loss to Volkan Oezdemir – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC Fight Night (September 2, 2023)