Dec
24
2019
0

UFC Busan: The Korean Zombie Punched His Ticket To Featherweight Title Contention Against Edgar


By Adam Martin

After a vicious knockout win over Frankie Edgar in the main event of UFC Busan, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung has officially punched his ticket to featherweight title contention. Even though Edgar is no longer the championship-level fighter he once was, he remains one of the most highly-respected fighters on the UFC roster, and beating him by stoppage proves Jung is legit.

Since returning to the UFC after a four-year military service layoff in his native South Korea, Jung has racked up a 3-1 record, with first-round knockout wins over Dennis Bermudez, Renato Moicano, and Edgar, and his lone loss coming on a Hail Mary elbow KO courtesy of Yair Rodriguez in one of the greatest MMA fights of all time. It’s been very impressive to watch Jung’s handiwork.

Back in 2013, Jung fought then-UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo for the title and lost after blowing out his shoulder and getting finished with strikes. Six years ago, it seemed improbable that Jung would ever get back to the UFC featherweight title picture, especially after taking four years off. But credit to Jung for sticking with it, putting in the work in the gym, and improving as a mixed martial artist. The results are undeniable, and Jung is now a bona fide title contender at 145 lbs.

After knocking out Edgar, Jung called for a fight against new UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski. It was worth calling out the champ just to see what the media and fans would think about it, and many agree with Jung that he deserves a title shot. The problem is that Volkanovski broke his hand beating Max Holloway in the UFC 245 co-main event, and he will be out for a few months with an injury. So Jung will likely have to fight someone else first before getting a title shot.

If that’s the case, then there are a few potential opponents for Jung. One option could be the former champ Holloway, who is anxious to get back in there and get his belt back. UFC President Dana White says that he’s interested in giving Holloway and an immediate rematch against Volkanovski, but with the new champ on the sidelines, perhaps Holloway could be booked against someone else. Another option would be a rematch against Rodriguez. The first fight between Jung and Rodriguez was incredible, and a rematch likely would be as well, especially if there’s a title shot on the line. Finally, a fight pitting Jung against Zabit Magomedsharipov could also make a lot of sense.

Regardless of who he fights next, Chan Sung Jung has put himself into an enviable position at featherweight with the knockout win over Frankie Edgar. Every time Jung steps into the Octagon, fans know they are in for a treat, and the UFC matchmakers know it as well, as they continue to give him main event slots. Perhaps he’s earned another chance to fight for the title with the Edgar win. At the very least, he’s one fight away.


UFCon ESPN+ 23

“The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung vs. Frankie Edgar: Chan Sung Jung defeats Frankie Edgar via TKO (punches) at 3:18 of Round 1.




UFC on ESPN+ 23: Edgar vs. The Korean Zombie (formerly UFC on ESPN+ 23: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie) took place December 21, 2019 at Sajik Arena in Busan, South Korea.


Click HERE for more UFC on ESPN+ 23 Post-Fight Analysis

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