Johnny Walker stops Zhang Mingyang at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai

Johnny Walker scored a dramatic comeback victory in front of a stunned Shanghai crowd, stopping hometown favorite Zhang Mingyang by TKO in the second round to headline UFC Fight Night at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. The Brazilian capitalized on a debilitating calf kick that left Zhang unable to stand, following up with strikes until referee Marc Goddard waved the contest off at 2:37 of round two. The result snapped Walker's recent skid and handed Zhang his first defeat inside the promotion.

The bout began with Zhang asserting himself. The 27 year old "Mountain Tiger," on a 12 fight winning streak and known for a string of first round finishes, stuffed Walker takedowns and landed heavy strikes from top position in the opening frame. He peppered Walker with counters and even landed a head kick before the bell. Early momentum favored the Chinese contender and the partisan crowd roared its approval. The fight turned in the second round after Walker landed a series of kicks, including a calf blow that appeared to compromise Zhang's mobility. Walker immediately swarmed and forced the stoppage, prompting audible disbelief from commentators and silence inside the arena.