This week, the UFC is in Shanghai, China, for a fun card of action at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, headlined by Light Heavyweights Johnny Walker and Mingyang Zhang going head-to-head. The fighters spoke with the media today to discuss their upcoming bouts, here are some highlights from what they had to say.
Entering what is expected by many to be a grappling-heavy matchup, Ortega has made it clear he is expecting non-stop action and won't shy away from striking exchanges.
Though the two have been friendly and respectful, Oretga did throw some slight shade towards Sterling, suggesting he won't want to strike with him.
When asked if he was interested in a potential rematch with former opponent Sean O'Malley if he were to also move up in weight, Sterling quickly said he would accept and take the opportunity to show how a fight would go with them when he is properly prepared.
This being said, he did express some doubt that O'Malley would have any interest and mentioned he believes O'Malley won't fight much longer.
When asked if he might attempt to test the grappling of his opponent, who is on a lengthy first-round knockout streak, Walker was quick to assure everyone that his plan is to strike, and he is not thinking about grappling.
Walker has submitted opponents in the past, but it doesn't appear he is looking for anything other than a knockout this weekend.
When asked about his goals in the sport, Mingyang Zhang went on to discuss how, although he understood how difficult it would be, he had his mind set on becoming the first male champion in his country's history.
Zhang could become just the second Chinese champion in UFC history after Weili Zhang, who currently holds the Women's Strawweight title.