Brian Ortega vs. Chan Sung Jung has become one of the most anticipated UFC matchups, but it’s yet to happen.
The pair were scheduled to headline UFC on ESPN+ 23 last December in South Korea, but a knee injury forced Ortega out of the bout. Instead, Jung faced former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, whom he finished in Round 1 to earn his fourth straight bonus.
Since then, things have gotten a little ugly between Ortega and Jung, with Ortega confronting Jung’s friend and manager, Korean rapper Jay Park, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas while in attendance for UFC 248 in March.
Ortega was unhappy with some of the things Park had said when translating Jung’s words, which included accusations of Ortega ducking him. So when Ortega saw Park, he confronted him by slapping him in the face while Jung was away and ended up being escorted out of the arena.
Ortega (14-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) issued an apology, but the two are set on settling their grudge in the octagon. And in a recent Instagram post, Ortega called out “The Korean Zombie,” urging him to hurry up and sign a contract to fight.
Someone tell Korean zombie sign the contract. You been asked multiple times already. Give the fans what they want to see and quit stalling.
Jung (16-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is currently unable to travel to the U.S. to compete. With the July “Fight Island” cards in Abu Dhabi already filled up and the August cards projected to take place in the U.S., it’ll be difficult to pin down a date and location for their fight.
Jung responded to Ortega, inviting him to come to Korea, but that also isn’t an option considering the UFC is currently only carrying events at the UFC Apex and on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi amid the coronavirus pandemic.
I am sure you are aware why I can’t go to the states at this time.
If you would come to Korea , I am ready even in July. Otherwise, stay calm waiting for me. #seeyousoon
Ortega hasn’t competed since losing to then featherweight champion Max Holloway in December 2018. Jung has won three of his last four fights, with all three wins coming by first-round stoppage.
Brian Ortega urges 'Korean Zombie' to sign contract to fight; 'Zombie' says to stay calm
