In a highly anticipated matchup that promises fireworks, China’s own Mingyang “Mountain Tiger” Zhang (17-6 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is set to face off against UFC newcomer Ozzy Diaz (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) this Saturday at the Galaxy Arena in Macau. The about kicks off the main card of UFC Fight Night 248, marking a crucial moment for both fighters in their careers.
Zhang enters the octagon riding an impressive ten-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory coming via a devastating first-round finish of Brendon Ribeiro at UFC 298 in February. The Mountain Tiger has earned his fearsome reputation through an unmatched finishing rate. Remarkably, he has never won a fight by decision, showcasing his exceptional knockout power and submission skills that have made him a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division.
On the other side of the cage, Diaz brings his brand of explosive fighting to the table. After falling short in his 2022 appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, the determined fighter clawed his way back to the UFC through impressive performances in the LFA, where he secured two decisive stoppage victories in 2024. Like his opponent, Diaz has never seen a judge’s scorecard in victory or defeat, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying clash.
The odds heavily favor the hometown hero, with bookmakers at FanDuel placing Zhang as a -340 favorite against Diaz’s +260 underdog status. However, seasoned MMA analysts caution against counting out the newcomer too quickly. Despite having fewer professional bouts on paper, Diaz’s experience in the competitive regional scene might prove crucial.
“This fight is guaranteed to start like a car crash,” notes veteran MMA analyst Dan Tom. “Both fighters are known for their aggressive style and early finishes. While Zhang possesses more dynamic tools, Diaz’s durability and experience against tough competition could make this more competitive than the odds suggest.”
The UFC’s decision to place this light heavyweight as the primary card opener has raised some eyebrows, especially with an action-packed lightweight fight between Hayisaer Maheshate and Nicholas Motta relegated to the prelims. However, the explosive potential of both fighters justifies their prominent placement on the card.
For Zhang, fighting on home soil in Macau presents an opportunity to cement his position in the UFC’s light heavyweight division and extend his impressive winning streak. The Mountain Tiger’s aggressive style and finishing ability have made him a favorite, but questions remain about his performance against higher-level competition.
Diaz, meanwhile, has everything to gain and nothing to lose. The UFC debutant’s all-or-nothing fighting style perfectly matches his opponent’s, suggesting that fans should not expect this fight to go the distance. His path to victory likely involves weathering Zhang’s early storm and capitalizing on any openings.
Fight fans can catch this explosive matchup live on ESPN+. The fighters are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 6:10 a.m. ET. Given both competitors’ track records, viewers would be wise not to blink—this one isn’t likely to last long.
The consensus among experts points to a first-round finish, with Zhang’s superior power and home-field advantage giving him the edge. However, in the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, anything can happen when two aggressive finishers meet in the center of the octagon.