What’s Next For Korean Zombie?

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Another weekend of fisticuffs has come and gone as UFC Fight Island 6 blew the roof off Flash Forum last Saturday night (Oct. 17, 2020), located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Plenty of fighters were feeling the post-fight blues including Claudio Silva, who saw his 14-fight win streak go out the window at the hands of James Krause.

And Thomas Almeida, who suffered his third straight defeat after getting outclassed by Jonathan Martinez (recap here). But which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover, now a few days removed from the show?

Chan Sung Jung.

Coming into his headlining bout against Brian Ortega, there was plenty on the line for both men, but it seemed “Korean Zombie” had a bit more riding on the fight. For starters, the victor would be assured a shot at Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Jung, though, had extra motivation to win the fight due to his beef with “T-City,” which boiled over after Ortega slapped Jung’s friend and translator, Jay Park, at a UFC event earlier this year.

But not only did the Korean-born star not get the sweet satisfaction of vengeance for his good friend, his title shot went up in smoke after Ortega outclassed him for five rounds, as well. And Ortega did it all on the feet, as he showed off his improved game by sticking to a firm plan and out-striking one of the best standup fighters at 145 pounds (highlights).

The loss ends Jung’s three-fight win streak and will put him a few spots down on the pecking order at 145 pounds, which means he will have to win a couple fights in impressive fashion to get back into title contention.

“I have no memory of Rounds 3, 4, 5. It’s fascinating to watch myself fight during the rounds I can’t remember, haha. When I lose a match, I have to analyze why I lost,” Jung said after the fight.

“Ortega fought in southpaw stance a lot and when facing southpaw, I was supposed to bait him in but I was a stupid idiot for getting caught by that elbow. Ortega fought extremely well. And right now, I’m just completely embarrassed / ashamed of myself. But I really want to thank you guys for rooting for me and I’m really sorry.”

“Korean Zombie” has nothing to apologize for as he fought a great fight, he simply ran into a batter man that night. He is still a fan-favorite and he is still a tough draw for any Top 5 fighter at 145 pounds.

As for who he should fight next, I am really feeling a fight between he and former UFC Featherweight kingpin, Max Holloway. “Blessed” is still ranked No. 1 while “Korean Zombie” is sitting pretty at No. 4. That being said, despite his ranking, Holloway is coming off two championship defeats at the hands of Volkanovski. Above all else, it’s an exciting fight that should produce fireworks.

So forget what you thought what you wanted for Holloway before, this is the fun fight you never knew you needed.