In the Clinch: Volkanovski Not Taking Korean Zombie Lightly, UFC 273 – It’s serious business for UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 273.
Volkanovski is even very particular about his steak, as we saw on the UFC 273 Embedded series. He’s also been seen on the gun range, obviously aware of his opponent’s military service.
Alexander “The Great” (23-1-0), 33, comes in as a massive betting favorite to Saturday’s bout, with two wins over former champion Max Holloway. Although, that second fight is still controversial. He said he wants to put Chan Sung Jung (17-6-0), 35, away within two rounds and show that there is a “different level of fitness, knowledge, and skill.”
In other words, Alex wants to make a statement. Many fans are expecting him to deliver.
But the Korean Zombie has been a longtime fan favorite. Win or lose, he usually puts on an entertaining performance. In fact, I was there when Zombie tied the UFC record for quickest knockout when he knocked out Mark Hominick in seven seconds at UFC 140 back in 2010. He has three wins in his last four contests, including a first-round finish of legend Frankie Edgar. And no one can forget that Twister submission against Leonard Garcia back in the day.
Even Volkanovski has acknowledged that Zombie is the OG legend that can “put your lights out.” If Alex is not careful, Zombie has the will and skill to do things opponents don’t expect and take advantage.
The thinking is that the wildness of Zombie should leave openings for Volkanovski to capitalize on the feet. And if the striking is not working, the champ has grappling in his back pocket. On paper, Volkanovski simply has more tools to emerge victorious.
We’ll have to see. Brian Ortega did pretty good against Volkanovski. There’s no reason that Zombie can’t take it a step further.
“Alexander the Great” vs. “The Korean Zombie.” Sounds like an idea for a UFC superhero movie.
In the Clinch: Volkanovski Not Taking Korean Zombie Lightly, UFC 273 – More Resources
- 2022 Panini Select UFC Trading Cards
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- 2019 Topps UFC Chrome Trading Cards Checklist
Alexander Volkanovski
Chan Sung Jung
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