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Anthony Smith and Zhang Mingyang meet Saturday in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 66 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2025: 35-29-1
Smith (37-21 MMA, 13-11 UFC) will make his final walk to the octagon, entering on the heels of back-to-back losses. The former light heavyweight title challenger went 1-2 in 2024, starting out the year with a wonderful first-round submission of Vitor Petrino. However, "Lionheart" dropped his next pair of outings, losing to Roman Dolidze by decision and then Dominick Reyes by TKO. ... Mingyang (18-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has seemingly been allergic to seeing Round 2, as he has either finished or been finished in the opening round of his last 15 fights. He enters the fight against Smith on an 11 fight winning streak, seeking his third UFC victory. Mingyang has scored bonuses in his first UFC appearances for finishes of Brendson Ribeiro and Ozzy Diaz.
The co-main event in Kansas City features a crossroads fight at 205 pounds between Smith and Mingyang. Although the writing seems to be clearly on the wall for where Smith is at in his career, this is still an undeniably big step up for Zhang.
I've actually been very high on Zhang (by light heavyweight standards), and don't disagree with him being favored to win here. Aside from fighters traditionally not fairing well in their retirement fights, Zhang can match Smith in the violence department, particularly in close.
However, between the betting lines being a bit too lopsided for my liking to my admitted bias toward Smith, I find myself foolishly going with my heart and taking a flier on Smith. Not only does Smith have underrated hooks and head kicks that could catch the Chinese fighter, but the American has a giant edge in the submission department should he decide to exercise his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
The official pick is for Smith to survive a few early scares and capitalize on a mistake from Zhang by Round 2.
The oddsmakers and the public heavily favor China's light heavyweight, listing Mingyang -420 and Smith +310 via FanDuel.
As the co-main event, Sming and Mingyang are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 11:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts on ESPN 2 and streams on ESPN+.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang pick, start time for UFC Kansas City
Continue reading...
Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2025: 35-29-1
Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang UFC on ESPN 66 preview
Smith (37-21 MMA, 13-11 UFC) will make his final walk to the octagon, entering on the heels of back-to-back losses. The former light heavyweight title challenger went 1-2 in 2024, starting out the year with a wonderful first-round submission of Vitor Petrino. However, "Lionheart" dropped his next pair of outings, losing to Roman Dolidze by decision and then Dominick Reyes by TKO. ... Mingyang (18-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has seemingly been allergic to seeing Round 2, as he has either finished or been finished in the opening round of his last 15 fights. He enters the fight against Smith on an 11 fight winning streak, seeking his third UFC victory. Mingyang has scored bonuses in his first UFC appearances for finishes of Brendson Ribeiro and Ozzy Diaz.
Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang UFC on ESPN 66 expert pick, prediction
The co-main event in Kansas City features a crossroads fight at 205 pounds between Smith and Mingyang. Although the writing seems to be clearly on the wall for where Smith is at in his career, this is still an undeniably big step up for Zhang.
I've actually been very high on Zhang (by light heavyweight standards), and don't disagree with him being favored to win here. Aside from fighters traditionally not fairing well in their retirement fights, Zhang can match Smith in the violence department, particularly in close.
However, between the betting lines being a bit too lopsided for my liking to my admitted bias toward Smith, I find myself foolishly going with my heart and taking a flier on Smith. Not only does Smith have underrated hooks and head kicks that could catch the Chinese fighter, but the American has a giant edge in the submission department should he decide to exercise his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
The official pick is for Smith to survive a few early scares and capitalize on a mistake from Zhang by Round 2.
Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang UFC on ESPN 66 odds
The oddsmakers and the public heavily favor China's light heavyweight, listing Mingyang -420 and Smith +310 via FanDuel.
Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang UFC on ESPN 66 start time, how to watch
As the co-main event, Sming and Mingyang are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 11:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts on ESPN 2 and streams on ESPN+.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang pick, start time for UFC Kansas City
Continue reading...
