UFC Fight Night 257 Full Card Preview: Main & Support Bouts

If you're looking to dive into UFC Fight Night 257: Walker vs Zhang, tapmad brings you a detailed full card preview, featuring everything from the main event to sleeper undercard fights and the full event schedule, so you don’t miss a beat.

Here’s what UFC fans can expect from the main stage in Shanghai:

• Main Event (Light Heavyweight):

Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang – Ranked #12 and #14 respectively, this light heavyweight matchup lies at the heart of the action, streaming on ESPN+. Both fighters carry knockout power and are looking to make waves in the divisional rankings.
 

• Undisclosed Co-Main / Feature Bouts:

The card includes several featured matchups in the featherweight, heavyweight, flyweight, and welterweight divisions. Notably:
 

• Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling (Featherweight)
   
• Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Heavyweight)
   
• Sumudaerji vs. Kevin Borjas (Flyweight)
   
• Taiyilake Nueraji vs. Kiefer Crosbie (Welterweight)
   

These bouts bring additional championship-level firepower and storytelling to the Shanghai arena.

Undercard Lineup: Talent on the Rise

Before the main card hits, here's what to watch for in the undercard:

• Lightweight Bout: Maheshate vs. Gauge Young
   
• Flyweight Bout: Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Charles Johnson
   
• Lightweight Remix: Rongzhu vs. Austin Hubbard
   
• Middleweight Return: Michel Pereira vs. Kyle Daukaus (marked by tapmad users as a key comeback fight—Daukaus returns after nearly 3 years)
   
• Featherweight Clash: Yizha vs. Westin Wilson
   
• Bantamweight Duel: Xiao Long vs. SuYoung You
   
• Light Heavyweight Preview: Uran Satybaldiev vs. Diyar Nurgozhay
   

These fights feature a mix of regional stars and international names, spanning China, Brazil, Russia, and beyond—reinforcing the global appeal tapmad offers to MMA fans.

Complete Event Timeline

Based on ESPN’s Fight Centre power and official UFC updates:

• Prelims Begin: Approximately 3:00 AM ET, available via ESPN+
   
• Main Card Tips Off: Around 6:00 AM ET on ESPN+
   

This schedule works well for global fans in Asia (prime evening), Europe, and even early risers in the Americas—tapmad’s live support will help you navigate the time zones.

What To Watch For

Storylines to Monitor

• Walker vs Zhang: Can Walker reclaim momentum, or will Zhang’s flawless finish streak continue on home turf?
   
• Veteran Comebacks: Michel Pereira vs. Kyle Daukaus is a compelling return story, especially after a long hiatus. tapmad fans are buzzing for Pereira’s dynamic style and Daukaus’ chance at redemption.
   
• Regional Representation: With Chinese athletes featured throughout, this card marks a milestone for MMA expansion in Asia.
   

Fan Value & tapmad Coverage

• tapmad viewers can expect real-time updates, fighter insights, and user-friendly schedules designed for local TV and streaming access.
   
• Expect exclusive analysis posts, fighter stats, and post-fight highlights to keep everyone connected, live or replay.

Summary Table: UFC Fight Night 257 Fight Card

Segment	Fights Highlighted
Main Event	Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang (Light Heavyweight)
Feature Bouts	Ortega vs. Sterling, Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta, others
Undercard	Pereira vs. Daukaus, Hong emerging matchups across weight classes
Schedule	Prelims ~3:00 AM ET; Main Card ~6:00 AM ET via ESPN+
tapmad Role	Fan alerts, regional streaming guides, fighter breakdowns

 

Final Take

UFC Fight Night 257’s fight card delivers a well-rounded blend of bombastic main events, high-stakes feature fights, and undercard gems—perfect for fans following via tapmad. Whether you're in China or tuning in from Pakistan, tapmad keeps your fight experience seamless and fully tapped into the action.