Smith vs Mingyang Preview
The Octagon returns to Kansas City on April 27, and one of the most intriguing bouts on the card pits battle-tested veteran Anthony “Lionheart” Smith against the surging Chinese wrecking ball Zhang Mingyang. Light heavyweight fireworks are expected when these two sluggers clash at UFC Fight Night, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both men looking to plant their flag deeper into the 205-pound landscape.
The Saga of Lionheart: Still Roaring or Winding Down?
Anthony Smith (37-19), a fan favorite and former title challenger, returns to the cage for the first time in 2024 following a tumultuous end to last year. In 2023, Smith went 1-1bouncing back from a unanimous decision loss to Johnny Walker with a gritty (albeit split) decision win over Ryan Spann in August. The performances weren’t vintage Smith, but make no mistake: the 35-year-old still has plenty of dog in him.
“Lionheart” remains an enigma. He’s earned a reputation for emerging triumphant from adversity, grabbing comeback wins out of the jaws of defeat. While some critics argue his best days are behind him, Smith still holds victories over the likes of Alexander Gustafsson, Volkan Oezdemir, and the aforementioned Spann. He may not be in his prime, but he’s got experienceand a heart as tough as a Nebraska winter.
Zhang Mingyang: China’s Knockout Merchant Enters the Fray
Enter Zhang Mingyang, the 25-year-old powerhouse hailing from China who’s quietly stringing together an imposing highlight reel. Though his UFC sample size is still small, he turned heads with an electric comeback knockout of Brendson Ribeiro in February. What started as a quick knockdown turned into a moment of resilience, showcasing Zhang’s ability to survive, recover, and finish with style.
He’s riding a six-fight win streak overall, with every single victory coming by way of knockout. Zhang boasts thunder in both hands, terrific forward pressure, and a no-nonsense approach inside the cage. While the competition he’s faced hasn’t quite been top-tier, the raw potential is clear. With the UFC ramping up international branding, especially in China, Zhang is the kind of fighter the promotion hopes to polish into a star.
Technician vs Terminator: Styles Make Fights
Stylistically, this fight promises a thrilling clash between Smith’s durable, well-rounded skill set and Zhang’s aggressive, fast-finish fighting style. Smith might have the grappling edge, especially in terms of jiu-jitsu pedigreehe owns 15 career submission wins to Zhang’s zero. If the vet takes the fight to the ground, he could mute the young gun’s offense and force him into unfamiliar waters.
But standing toe-to-toe? That’s the danger zone. Zhang hits like a freight train. He’s younger, faster, and has the confidence of a man who’s never seen the judges’ scorecards in victory. While Smith is durablehe’s absorbed more punishment than most men in the light heavyweight divisionit’s not a smart long-term plan to eat punches against someone with Zhang’s power.
What’s at Stake?
For Anthony Smith, this is a gatekeeper testand he knows it. Win, and he staves off questions about retirement while earning yet another feather in his cap in his career renaissance. Lose, and the chatter intensifies about whether he’s just holding down a roster spot for the next wave of light heavyweight lions.
For Zhang Mingyang, this is the litmus test. A win over a name like Smith propels him into the Top 15 discussion and adds tremendous credibility to his résumé. A loss, depending on how it unfolds, might simply show that more seasoning is needed before he swims with the division’s sharks.
Odds and Prediction
According to current oddsmakers, Smith enters the Octagon as the slight underdog, hovering around +115, while Zhang is the favorite at -135. It’s rare to see a UFC veteran with 20-plus Octagon appearances play underdog to a relative newcomer, illustrating just how much hype is riding on Zhang’s shoulders.
But here’s the curveball: Smith has a habit of flipping the script. While younger fighters might have the edge in speed and athleticism, they often lack the tactical depth and mental comebacks that Smith excels in. Smith’s jab, cage IQ, and ability to survive storms can turn this fight uglyand that’s when he usually shines.
Still, if Zhang can avoid overcommitting and keep his cardio in check, this might be his coming-out party.
Pick:
Zhang Mingyang via TKO (Round 2)
Expect a fast-paced first round with big exchanges. Smith hangs toughas he always doesbut Zhang’s firepower might be too much before the third frame can begin. That said, if Smith drags this into deep waters, we might find ourselves talking about one of the sneakiest underdog wins of the year.
Final Thoughts
UFC Kansas City might not boast a blockbuster card, but Smith vs Mingyang is a legitimate crowd-pleaser. It’s the old lion vs the rising dragon. It’s grit versus firepower. And most importantly, it answers a key question: is the new blood ready to conquer the old guard, or is there still wisdomand furyin experience?
One way or another, when the cage door closes on April 27, expect chaos, violence, and the kind of action that reminds us exactly why this sport is the greatest spectacle in combat.
