UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang, set for August 23, 2025, at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in Shanghai, China, features a lightweight prelim matchup between China’s fast-rising Rong Zhu and American veteran Austin Hubbard. This fight brings together the youth and finishing instincts of Zhu against the experience and durability of Hubbard in what could be a pivotal test for both fighters.
Rong Zhu
Rong Zhu (26–6) is one of China’s most experienced young prospects at just 25 years old. A former WLF Lightweight Champion, Zhu already has 32 professional bouts with 21 career finishes, including 15 knockouts and 6 submissions. Known for his fast starts and sharp striking, he blends aggression with opportunistic grappling, making him a well-rounded threat.
Since joining the UFC, Zhu has shown flashes of elite potential. He claimed the Road to UFC Season 2 Lightweight Tournament crown in 2024 and most recently earned a unanimous decision over Kody Steele in February 2025 in a bout that was awarded Fight of the Night honors. His UFC run has included highs such as a submission win over Shin Haraguchi and setbacks like a doctor-stoppage loss to Chris Padilla, but his consistency has improved in recent outings.
Zhu’s keys to victory will be keeping the fight at a high pace, using his speed advantage to beat Hubbard to the punch, and mixing in his grappling threats to keep the American guessing.
Rong Zhu – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Kody Steele – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 312, Feb 9, 2025
2. Loss vs. Chris Padilla – TKO (Doctor Stoppage) – UFC FN, Sep 7, 2024
3. Win vs. Shin Haraguchi – Submission (RNC) – Road to UFC 2 Ep. 7, Feb 4, 2024
4. Win vs. Kim Sang-wook – Decision (Unanimous) – Road to UFC 2 Ep. 6, Aug 27, 2023
5. Win vs. Hong Seong-chan – TKO (Punches) – Road to UFC 2 Ep. 3, May 28, 2023
Austin Hubbard
Austin Hubbard (16–9) is a gritty, battle-tested American lightweight who has faced a wide range of competition across the UFC, LFA, and regional circuits. A former LFA Lightweight Champion, Hubbard is known for his durability, steady striking, and ability to grind out tough decisions. Of his 16 career victories, 9 have come by decision, with 5 by knockout and 2 by submission.
Since rejoining the UFC through The Ultimate Fighter 31, Hubbard has had mixed results. He defeated Michał Figlak in April 2024, but has since dropped back-to-back split decisions to Alexander Hernandez and MarQuel Mederos. Hubbard’s resilience has kept him competitive in nearly every fight, but he sometimes struggles against faster, more explosive opponents.
Hubbard’s keys to victory will be slowing the pace, applying clinch pressure, and using his experience to drag Zhu into later rounds where his cardio and consistency can pay dividends.
Austin Hubbard – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. MarQuel Mederos – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN, Mar 29, 2025
2. Loss vs. Alexander Hernandez – Decision (Split) – UFC 307, Oct 5, 2024
3. Win vs. Michał Figlak – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, Apr 27, 2024
4. Loss vs. Kurt Holobaugh – Submission (Triangle Choke) – UFC 292, Aug 19, 2023
5. Win vs. Kegan Agnew – Decision (Unanimous) – Caged Aggression 34, Oct 14, 2022
Prediction
This matchup pits the youthful explosiveness of Rong Zhu against the tested consistency of Austin Hubbard. Zhu is the faster, more dangerous finisher who thrives in high-paced exchanges and scrambles, while Hubbard is a grinder who often survives early adversity and works his way back into fights.
The biggest question is whether Hubbard’s toughness and experience can withstand Zhu’s early pressure. If Hubbard extends the fight, he has the tools to win rounds with control and volume. However, Zhu’s momentum, speed advantage, and finishing instincts make him a difficult stylistic matchup for the American, especially fighting on home soil in Shanghai.
Austin Hubbard is tough and durable, but Rong Zhu’s youth, pace, and offensive arsenal should give him the edge. Expect Zhu to push forward early, land the heavier strikes, and potentially mix in grappling exchanges to secure control.
Prediction: Rong Zhu def. Austin Hubbard via Decision (Unanimous)
A victory would continue Zhu’s rise as a Chinese contender in the lightweight division, while Hubbard will need to regroup from what would be a third straight loss.