This weekend, an incredibly exciting flyweight contender returns to the Octagon in his toughest test to date.
August 23 sees the UFC head back to China for an event in Shanghai that features several notable names at the top of the card.
Having retired Anthony Smith last time out, Zhang Mingyang will look to add Johnny Walker to his list of impressive wins since debuting in the promotion back in 2024.
The card may feature some incredibly hard hitters and a featherweight matchup between former title challenger Brian Ortega and the ex-bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, but for many fans, one clash that has fight of the night written all over it is scheduled for the prelims.
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Lone’er Kavanagh reacts to Ilia Topuria shouting him out during his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience
During his short time in the UFC, Lone’er Kavanagh has already made his mark in the flyweight division as an exciting rising contender.
The undefeated 26-year-old produced a stunning knockout to earn a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, and has followed this up with back-to-back unanimous decision wins.
One of the names that has quickly taken notice of Kavanagh and his potential just so happens to be one of the biggest stars in the sport.
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria mentioned the flyweight prospect during his one appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience earlier this year before he became a two-time champion.
“There’s a guy coming up at 125. He fought in the last PPV in London. His last name is Kavanagh, in the 125. He’s going to be a problem in that division. He’s a very skilful fighter.”
In a recent video posted by Cage Warriors, the promotion in which Kavanagh recorded four consecutive wins to earn his Contender Series shot, the UFC Shanghai star reacted to Topuria’s comments.
Topuria and Kavanagh had briefly crossed paths in London earlier this year, with ‘El Matador’ in attendance to coach his teammate and countryman, Guram Kutateladze.
“I’ve never actually watched Joe Rogan before, but for him to mention me on it and to have people sending it to me before I found out, it’s just awesome. Very grateful. Yeah, it was really cool to meet him. Super nice guy. Yeah, he just gave me some good luck words and that’s it.”
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Lone’er Kavanagh features in one of the most exciting matchups at UFC Shanghai
Having beaten two impressive opponents in Jose Ochoa and Felipe dos Santos since arriving in the flyweight division, Lone’er Kavanagh has proven that he’s ready for a step up.
This has certainly been given to him at UFC Shanghai, as he takes on 11-fight UFC veteran Charles Johnson.
‘InnerG’ recently had the four-fight win streak that he accumulated in 2024 ended by a unanimous decision loss to Ramazan Temirov.
Included in that streak was a knockout win over Joshua Van, who is now set to be the next flyweight title challenger.