The Korean Zombie is the nickname for Chan Sung Jung because it is very hard to stop him. Unless he is being hit with a wayward elbow, The Zombie lives up to his nickname. However, he hasn’t gotten into nearly as much trouble as Brian Ortega in his last fight.
Ortega last fought two years ago in a brutal Featherweight title loss to Max Holloway. Not only did Ortega’s winning streak get snapped, but it also happened in a dominant fashion. It was one of the most one-sided beatings in championship fight history, and we haven’t seen Ortega fight since. The fight against The Korean Zombie is his opportunity to re-establish himself as a title contender.
Even The Zombie had to give it up to Ortega for his gutsy performance against Holloway. Ortega refused to be finished and lost via doctors’ stoppage.
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In an interview with The Schmo, Jung said, “He (Chan Sung Jung) never tried to finish fights, it just happens that way. Ortega is a tough opponent. He’s been hit over 300 times in his last fight against Holloway and he was still standing, so it’s going to be tough to finish him.” (Translated by coach Eddie Cha).
The Korean Zombie continues his push to the title
TKZ might end generating a reputation of being the gatekeeper of the Featherweight division. He failed in his title fight against Jose Aldo and then got KO’d in the last second of a fight he was winning against Yair Rodriguez. But the title aspirations for TKZ are very real, and he will be hell-bent on getting past Ortega.
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Ortega, on the other hand has a lot to prove. Coming off a two-year layoff after a one-sided loss means the pressure is very intense. However, there is a reason Ortega fought Holloway for the title. He can end anybody’s night and get a victory. While he was outmatched against Holloway, he is facing a foe within his range in TKZ.
Whether he continues on the path he was prior to his title loss is something we will find out. TKZ himself may be looking to solidify his place as the next contender for Alex Volkanowski.
