Road to UFC Shanghai Ep 4 – Lawrence Lui vs Qinghe Zhang

Lawrence Lui and Qinghe Zhang delivered a thrilling battle on May 23, 2025, at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai in Shanghai, China, showcasing a clash of styles that had the crowd on edge from start to finish.

Lui, known for his composed striking and calculated pace, opened the fight with crisp jabs and sharp footwork, aiming to control the distance early. Zhang, fighting on home soil, fed off the energy of the Chinese fans and came out aggressive, pushing the pace with powerful kicks and relentless forward pressure.

The first round was a technical affair, with both fighters trading clean shots and defending well in the clinch. As the bout progressed, Zhang began to find his rhythm, landing hard body shots and mixing in takedown attempts that forced Lui to stay on the defensive. Lui countered with moments of brilliance, slipping punches and answering back with fast combinations, but Zhang’s volume and pressure were difficult to contain.

In the final round, Zhang turned up the intensity, landing a spinning back fist that stunned Lui and brought the crowd to their feet. Though Lawrence Lui recovered and fought back valiantly, the momentum had clearly shifted.

After three competitive rounds, the judges awarded Qinghe Zhang the victory by unanimous decision, earning him a well-deserved win in front of his hometown supporters. The fight was a showcase of grit, heart, and high-level technique from both athletes, but Zhang’s determination and output sealed the night in his favor.