REPORTS: Brian Ortega’s Next Match Finalized Against ‘The Korean Zombie’

Proceedings are picking up in the UFC Featherweight division, as top contenders are set to return to action. This includes a top-five clash between championship contenders Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung.

As per reports, the UFC is targeting the bout for their October 17 fight card. This comes almost 6-7 weeks after ‘T-City’ posted an Instagram message to his divisional rival. Here he urged the 33-year-old to quit stalling. 

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Brian Ortega and ‘The Korean Zombie’ set to stake claim to UFC title shot

UFC’s Busan event would have hosted this fight towards the end of the last year. Unfortunately for fans, ‘T-City‘ withdrew because of an injury. As a result, he is yet to enter the octagon since losing his quest to capture the featherweight title way back in December 2018. 

The bout against Max Holloway was the first time Ortega lost a professional fight. 

Meanwhile, after he pulled out, ‘The Korean Zombie‘ battled Frankie Edgar and thrilled his country’s fans with an opening-round decimation. 

It marked his third consecutive first-round finish since returning after a lengthy hiatus. This is a streak he will want to improve on as he attempts to earn a second shot at the featherweight title. His first title fight came in 2013, where he lost to Jose Aldo.

Should the bout go ahead as planned, it will take place just seven days before fellow contenders Zabit Magomedsharipov and Yair Rodriguez meet at UFC 254.

Read: REPORTS: Massive Featherweight Clash Added to UFC 254

This will present an interesting rankings scenario as there could be two fighters with a claim to the championship opportunity. 

Magomedsharipov, ‘The Korean Zombie’, Rodriguez and Ortega occupy the spots from second to fifth. The top contender’s spot is theirs for the taking unless the UFC goes with the Alexander Volkanovski vs Max Holloway trilogy. 

Read: “It Is Shameful That Alexander Volkanovski Is A Champion Of My Weight Class”- Korean Zombie

It is a plan they are likely to explore, but not at present given ‘The Great’ leads 2-0.

Do you see ‘The Korean Zombie’ vs ‘T-City’ bout taking place a week before UFC 254? How big a role will it play in determining the next featherweight title challenger?