UFC 273: How Dangerous Is Chan Sung Jung To Champion?

Over his career, Chan Sung Jung has made a name for himself as “The Korean Zombie.”

Fight fans will never forget his epic 2012 battle with Dustin Poirier. The two earned “Fight of the Year” honors from ESPN and Bleacher Report.

There was also the 2011 “Submission of the Year” by Jung when he locked up Leonard Garcia.

Now, he gets another crack at the UFC title this Saturday night against Alex Volkanovski at UFC 273.

But is he a legit threat to the reign of Volkanovski?

For starters, Jung was moved into the bout only after Max Holloway pulled out. The former champion was scheduled to challenge Volkanovski, but an injury will keep him from doing so.

Does that diminish the spotlight on Jung? Not at all.

A 17-fight winner, Jung earned a decision over Dan Ige in June in a fun five-round affair. He also went the full five rounds with Brian Ortega in late 2020, coming up short. 

Prior to that, he flexed his knockout skills in “Performance of the Night” finishes of both former champion Frankie Edgar and Renato Moicano. 

Jung challenged Jose Aldo for the title back in 2013, losing in the fourth round after going toe-to-toe with Aldo. 

This is as tough of a challenge as Volkanovski will have. And then some.

Of his 17 wins, 14 have come by finish. That includes eight submission victories by way of a number of different holds. 

Jung has proven his toughness and his skill-set is as elite as anyone, and you better believe he will be looking to take full advantage of his opportunity presented to him Saturday night.