Zhang Mingyang


Zhang Mingyang is a Chinese mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of November 25, 2025, he is #14 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

Background

Zhang was born in Taihe County in Fuyang city of Anhui province in 1998. The nickname 'Mountain Tiger' was given to him by his father since he was born in the year of the Tiger and also because his father hoped he would become brave like one.
When Zhang was seven, he met his uncle who finished his training Shaolin Monastery and trained Zhang in martial arts. At age twelve, Zhang's parents sent Zhang to the Shaolin Monastery to train after a strong request from him. He then started practicing sanda becoming the Henan Province Youth Sanda Champion and the National Youth Sanda Champion at the age of thirteen.
At age fourteen, Zhang was selected to become a member of the Shanxi Provincial Sanda Team.
While on the Sanda team, Zhang accidentally saw a UFC video on the internet. After seeing it, he decided to switch to MMA with the goal of entering the UFC. Despite his family's dissuasion, he left his hometown to move to Qingdao in Shandong province. He joined Sunkin Fight which is a subsidiary of Sunkin Group, a real estate company.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

In 2014 at age sixteen, Zhang started his MMA career where he fought in the Chinese regional scene.
Zhang represented China in the 2018 Junior World Cup held in St. Petersburg, Russia that was hosted by the Russian MMA Union and the World Mixed Martial Arts Association. He won the gold medal in the 93 kg class.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On June 9, 2022, Zhang fought in a non-tournament bout against George Tokkos as the opening to Road to UFC Season 1. Despite Tokkos being a -675 betting favorite, Zhang knocked him out via punches in the first round. This victory made Zhang the first Chinese fighter to win a UFC contract in the Road to UFC program.
In 2023, Zhang was originally scheduled to face Tyson Pedro at UFC 284. However Zhang had to withdraw due to a significant waist injury that kept him away from fighting for over a year.
Zhang made his UFC debut on February 17, 2024, at UFC 298 where he faced Brendson Ribeiro. He won via knockout in the first round. This fight earned him a Performance of the Night award.
On November 23, 2024, Zhang faced Ozzy Diaz at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo. He won via TKO in the first round via an elbow strike at distance. This fight earned him a second Performance of the Night award.
On April 26, 2025, Zhang faced Anthony Smith for his retirement fight at UFC on ESPN: Machado Garry vs. Prates. He won via TKO in the first round via elbows. This fight earned him a third Performance of the Night award.
Zhang faced Johnny Walker on August 23, 2025 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 257. He lost the fight by technical knockout via leg kicks and punches in the second round.

Personal life

Zhang is married. His wife was previously a dancer who participated on the CMG New Year's Gala.
Zhang has one son. Zhang was not able to witness the birth of his child as he was in training camp at the time.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

  • Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • *Performance of the Night
  • *UFC.com Awards
  • ** 2024: Ranked #6 Newcomer of the Year
  • Wu Lin Feng
  • *2021 WLF Heavyweight Tournament winner
  • MMA Fighting
  • *2024 Second Team MMA All-Star

    Sanda

  • 2012 Henan Youth Sanda Championship − 1st place
  • 2012 National Youth Sanda Championship − 1st place

    Mixed martial arts record