Ozzy Diaz vs. Zhang Mingyang Prediction, Picks, Start Time: UFC Macau

Ozzy Diaz and Zhang Mingyang meet on Saturday in the UFC Fight Night 248 main card at the Galaxy Arena in Macau. Check out this quick review of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last Event: 4-1
UFC Main Card, 2024: 99-90-3

Ozzy Diaz vs. Zhang Mingyang UFC Fight Night 248 preview

Diaz (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will make his UFC debut in a main card opening slot. After an unsuccessful audition at Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, Diaz navigated his way to the UFC by picking up two stoppage victories in 2024 under the LFA banner. … Zhang (17-6 MMA, 1-0 UFC) enters on a double-digit win streak and will look to extend it further in his second UFC appearance. In February, Zhang made his debut with a first-round knockout of Brendson Ribeiro at UFC 298.

Ozzy Diaz vs. Zhang Mingyang UFC Fight Night 248 Expert Picks, Prediction

Despite having a guaranteed lightweight action bout between Hayisaer Maheshate and Nicholas Motta firmly on the prelims, UFC matchmakers decided to kick off the main card with a light heavyweight bout between Zhang and Diaz.

Outside of the UFC brass’ penchant for force-feeding us lower-level big guys on Fight Night cards, I suspect these two get this quietly important spot because of their do-or-die nature.

Primarily a first-round finisher, Zhang seems like the type of talent that is ripe to start stinking with hitfests as soon as he starts to experience any kind of step up in competition.

Whereas Diaz, who does not have as many fights on paper as Zhang does, is arguably more experienced than the Chinese fighter given what he has seen on the regional stage.

If Diaz was a bit more durable, I’d probably take a flier on him as an underdog. But if the volatility is the same, I’ll begrudgingly side with the more dynamic finisher who doesn’t have to travel for a fight at home.

The choice is Zhang by knockout in round 1.

Ozzy Diaz vs. Zhang Mingyang UFC Fight Night 248 odds

The oddsmakers and the public favor the Chinese fighter, listing Zhang -340 and Diaz +260 via FanDuel.

Ozzy Diaz vs. Zhang Mingyang UFC Fight Night 248 start time, this is how you see it

As the main card opener, Diaz and Zhang are expected to take to the cage at approximately 6:10 a.m. ET. The fight will flow on ESPN+.