Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung, or the “Korean Zombie” as most fans know him, are the protagonists of the main event at the UFC Fight Night 180. The two featherweight stars had quite an intro for this battle, with an incident before the UFC 248 back in March. For those who don’t remember, Ortega slapped Jung’s translator, and chaos broke loose.
Ortega Searching For a Way Back
The American Mexican was one of the UFC’s biggest prospects until losing to Max Holloway in the title match at the UFC 231. But even though he didn’t enter the ring for almost two years, T-City is the No.2 in the featherweight division, and is considered the potential champion once he gets back to his usual rhythm.
Brian Ortega's manager says the fighter's hair will go to charity.
(via @bokamotoESPN) pic.twitter.com/mjfUYTPqVi
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 16, 2020
There aren’t too many areas in MMA strange for this fellow. He knows how to kick, punch, wrestle, etc, almost everything needed to take the belt one day.
His only loss was against Holloway who was ferocious in that fight, outstriking the rival, and forcing the judge to stop the bout. Previously, Ortega(14-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) beat Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson, Renato Moicano and several other high-caliber fighters.
Korean Zombie Wants Respect
Even though he is one of the most attractive individuals in the entire UFC, many fans don’t recognize Jung as a true master of this sport. All of his Performances of the Night and Fight of the Night awards apparently aren’t acknowledge among the fanbase.
We're 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙔 here.
Ortega & The Korean Zombie lock the Octagon doors Saturday night 🔐
[ #UFCFightIsland6 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/S9rJJ6cjlJ
— UFC (@ufc) October 13, 2020
And just to make it clear, in the last 8 events, Jung had seven bonuses of some kind. Now that tells a lot about his abilities.
Explosive and flamboyant fighter that he is, the Korean Zombie (16-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) makes the bout interesting by handing and eating hard punches. He, too, has wins over Frankie Edgar and Renato Moicano in his resume and has Dustin Poirier‘s scalp as well.
Prediction
The only thing which separates these two guys here is ring rust. On one side, Jung doesn’t have any problems with that, while on the other, Ortega didn’t fight for 22 months. In some regular situation, the American would probably come out from this matchup as a winner. But due to all the circumstances and factors, that is not the case now.
Jung’s current form, and the fact that he didn’t have injuries and such a long period of inactivity, is the reason to bet on him.
