It’s official! The highly anticipated match up between Ortega and Chan Sung Jung, aka the “The Korean Zombie”, is now set for this October. Their fight was previously scheduled for December last year, but Ortega withdrew due to a knee injury.
While Ortega was out, Jung instead fought Frankie Edgar and defeated him impressively via first round knock out. His track record is strong, with wins also against Dennis Bermudez and Renato Moicano. His only loss of his four latest fights, was with Yair Rodriguez who had made a late comeback, despite Jung dominating the majority of the match.
Currently ranked fourth in the division, the “Korean Zombie” is eager and hungry to climb the ranks again. In 2013 he had a shot at the title belt against Jose Aldo, but sustained a shoulder injury during the fight and lost.
Meanwhile Ortega will be returning to fight for the first time since December 2018. His last outing was against former champion, Max Holloway in UFC 231. It was a major blow, Ortega was defeated by TKO following the fourth round. Not only that, but his perfect 14-0 record was torn.
Prior to that defeat, Ortega had a solid win streak, with victories over Edgar, Cub Swanson and Renato Moicano. He is ranked second currently in his weight class, and is also hungry for the championship belt.
Away from the Octagon there’s been serious beef between Jung and Ortega. Earlier this year Ortega was involved in a confrontation with Jung’s friend and translator in Las Vegas.
Ortega apologised in an Instagram post and suggested he was avoiding signing the contract to fight. Jung responded with his own Instagram post that said,
"I am sure you are aware why I can't go to the states at this time. If you would come to Korea, I am ready even in July."
Both contenders have fought for the title belt before, and will undoubtedly remain in title contention. It's likely the winner could likely earn a crucial title shot against reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Co-headlining will be upcoming Aussie fighter, Jimmy Crute and his opponent Modestas Bukauskas. Crute looks to make a name for himself as he picks up more fights.
Jun Yong Park and John Phillips are also up for the undercard in a middleweight bout. Park’s last fight against Marc-Andre Barriault in December was his first win and second appearance in the Octagon. Meanwhile, Phillips was last in action in July this year who was defeated by submission against Khamzat Chimaev but was victorious to Alen Amedovski.
MAIN CARD
Brian Ortega vs. Chan Sung Jung
Featherweight Bout
UNDER CARD
Krzysztof Jotko vs. Makhmud Muradov
Middleweight Bout
Jim Crute vs. Modestas Bukauskas
Middleweight Bout
Jun Yong Park vs. John Phillips
Middleweight Bout