Jung Chan-sung loses to Volkanovski, fails to become UFC champion... hints at retirement

Jung Chan-sung [Photo by Kim Hyun-min]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] 'Korean Zombie' Jung Chan-sung (34) challenged to become South Korea's first UFC champion but lost to Alexander Volkanovski (34, Australia).

On the 10th (Korean time), Jung Chan-sung suffered a 4th-round TKO defeat in the featherweight title fight against champion Volkanovski at UFC 273, held at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

Jung Chan-sung, who challenged for the UFC championship title for the first time in nine years, had to postpone that opportunity due to the loss. Previously, in August 2013 at UFC 163, he challenged then-champion Jose Aldo (Brazil) but lost due to a shoulder injury and other factors. His overall record is 17 wins and 7 losses, with 7 wins and 4 losses since joining the UFC.

Jung fought well in the first round but was shaken after receiving a strong punch from Volkanovski during the second round. In the third round, Jung struggled but narrowly escaped defeat after being knocked down by a heavy blow near the end. In the fourth round, he was unable to counterattack and was repeatedly attacked by Volkanovski. The referee ended the match as it was.

After the fight, Jung Chan-sung said, "I prepared better than ever and was in good condition, but I felt an insurmountable wall," hinting at retirement.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.