5 best performances of Chan Sung Jung in the UFC
With his upcoming UFC title fight against Alexander Volkanovski, it's important to look back and take note of the pivotal wins that Chan Sung Jung has picked up along the way in his UFC career.
'The Korean Zombie' isn't new to the title fight experience since he has faced featherweight pound-for-pound fighter Jose Aldo for gold in 2013. This bout didn't go his way, and mandatory military service followed, rendering him an inactive fighter for many years.
His return in 2017 didn't last long, as he picked up the TKO victory halfway through the very first round. Landing fast knockouts, introducing the twister submission to the UFC, and being an all-around lovable fighter, the Korean has made a name for himself amongst featherweight greats.
Winning three of his last five, 'The Korean Zombie' jumped on the opportunity to fight for the belt as Max Holloway was forced out of the trilogy bout with Volkanovski. This is an opportunity that neither fighter should take lightly. Although Jung has had two losses since his return to the octagon, he shouldn't be considered a diluted version of the contender he once was. MMA math doesn't work here; just because Brian Ortega beat Jung but lost to Volkanovski doesn't mean that 'The Great' will run through him too.
On this list, we'll point out excellent performances that may be indicative of how Jung will perform in an attempt to grab the elusive featherweight title. Always exciting and constantly dangerous, here are the five best performances of Chan Sung Jung in the UFC.
#5. Yair Rodriguez - UFC featherweight contender
Don't let the final result fool you. This was a fight that played in the favor of 'The Korean Zombie'. The 2018 Fight of the Year contender holds up as one of the most fun fights to watch to this day. Rodriguez and Jung gave fans an all-out war that'll live on as one of the best featherweight fights in MMA history.
Yair Rodriguez and Chan Sung Jung all smiles at the hospital, after their 25 minute, fight of the year, instant classic.
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Jung displayed great striking against Rodriguez, who may be the most dynamic kicker in the UFC. Pressure and volume over the course of about five rounds had him up on the scorecards that were ultimately not needed. The Korean fighter entertained one final brawl in the last 10-seconds of the fight and was caught with a shot that nobody could've predicted.
Regardless of the loss, Jung put on one of his best performances and was literally a second away from the win. This loss taught him a valuable lesson in moving his head.