Zhang Mingyang Faces Ozzy Diaz at UFC Macau

Zhang Mingyang, known as the «Mountain Tiger,» is scheduled to fight against Ozzy Diaz in the upcoming UFC Macau event at the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, on Saturday, November 23, 2024. The bookmakers have listed Zhang Mingyang as a favorite with odds at -305, while his opponent, Ozzy Diaz, is positioned as the underdog at +245.

«Mountain Tiger» Mingyang enters the match with an impressive record of 17 wins, 6 losses, and no draws. The 26-year-old fighter, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 205 pounds, boasts a reach of 75 inches. His competitor, 33-year-old Ozzy Diaz, slightly taller at 6’4″, also weighs 205 pounds and has a 79-inch reach.

In terms of striking, Mingyang is known for his precision, landing an average of 9.23 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 57%. Diaz, on the other hand, connects 1.65 significant strikes per minute with a 32% accuracy. Defensively, Mingyang allows 6.39 significant strikes per minute, defending 57% of them, while Diaz concedes 3.91 significant strikes per minute, thwarting 44% of the attempts against him.

The fight statistics show both fighters have similar defensive grappling skills. Each successfully prevents 15% of takedowns attempted against them. However, Mingyang has a slight edge in takedowns, achieving 0.80 per three rounds compared to Diaz’s 15% success rate. In terms of submission attempts, Diaz is more aggressive, with 0.7 attempts per 15 minutes, compared to Mingyang’s 0.4.

In recent matches, Zhang Mingyang claimed victory against Brendson Ribeiro, using a punch to the head in the first round. Ribeiro had landed 14 of 31 strikes, while Mingyang connected on 17 of 28, dominating in significant strikes and maintaining a 60% striking accuracy. Conversely, Ozzy Diaz faced Joe Pyfer and was defeated by a punch to the head in the second round. Diaz landed 11 of 34 total strikes, revealing a significant striking accuracy of 32%.

Other notable fights on the UFC Macau card include a bout between Baergeng Jieleyisi and SuYoung You, as well as a clash featuring DongHun Choi versus Kiru Sahota. Jieleyisi holds a record of 18 wins and 5 losses, while You has a record of 13 wins, 3 losses, and 2 no contests. Choi, who is undefeated, will meet Sahota, who carries a formidable record of 12 wins and 2 losses.

Analysts and fans alike are speculating on the outcomes of these exciting encounters, with Zhang Mingyang’s match against Ozzy Diaz drawing particular attention due to its implications for both fighters’ careers.