Are We Close to Seeing A Fight Between Brian Ortega And ‘Korean Zombie’ Chan Sung Jung?
Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung have added more fuel to the fire when it comes to a potential bout with one another.
Both fighters were supposed to fight on the December 21, 2019 card in South Korea, but Ortega had to back out of it due to a torn ACL. As a result, Frankie Edgar, who was planning to move up in weight, took his spot. “The Korean Zombie” ended up winning the bout via TKO in the first round. Ortega (14-1, 1 NC) has decided to call Jung (16-5) out on social media.
“Someone tell Korean zombie sign the contract. You been asked multiple times already. Give the fans what they want to see and quit stalling.”
Before the injury, Ortega was looking to fight for the first time since December 2018. He was coming off of a loss against Max Holloway at UFC 231 for the UFC Featherweight Championship. Losing via TKO, the fight ended an unbeaten streak dating back to his professional debut in 2010. While with the UFC, “T-City” is 6-1 with one no-contest.
Jung is on a two-fight win, beating both Renato Moicano and Edgar via TKO. He is 3-1 in the UFC since returning from military service in 2017. He responded to Ortega, stating:
“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. Otherwise, stay calm waiting for me.”
“Korean Zombie” is referring to the coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions as a reason for a fight not being able to happen at the moment. There is a possibility for both to travel to “Fight Island“, taking place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi if travel permits.
Not that long ago, UFC President Dana White said that a fight between the two will be happening sometime soon.
“Ortega and The Korean Zombie are gonna fight,” White stated. “You know how I just went out and said (about the Tony) Ferguson fight against (Justin) Gaethje, I said ‘I absolutely, positively guarantee you that this fight will be great.’
“That’s the same thing with Brian Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie, there’s no way this fight is boring. And the guy that comes out of that fight would be next in line for a title shot.”
Stay tuned as a date and venue should be announced, if both fighters can travel for a fight.