UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has a new opponent and a new fight date as he is set to headline UFC 273 on April 9 against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung.
The UFC has made a decision for what’s next for the featherweight title. Days after Max Holloway withdrew from his trilogy with Alexander Volkanovski, it has been reported by Ariel Helwani that the promotion has finalized a deal for Chan Sung Jung, better known as “The Korean Zombie,” to step into the fight on April 9. The news was later confirmed by Jung’s representation: Iridium Sports Agency. It was also reported that the event was unlikely to still be in Brooklyn as was previously reported. A new finalized location was not reported.
Alex Volkanovski vs. Chang Sung Jung for the 145 title is a done deal for UFC 273 on April 9.
Co-main is Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan for the 135 title.
Location TBD. Likely not Brooklyn.
New headliner for UFC 272 is Jorge Masvidal x Colby Covington. Verbal, not signed.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 11, 2022
While the original bout was reported for March 5, it has since been reported that both the featherweight title fight and bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan have been pushed back to the April 9 pay-per-view event. Per the report, bout agreements between Sterling and Yan have been sent out but the fight has not been finalized. It was reported earlier Tuesday that the March 5 event will be headlined by a non-title bout between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington.
Volkanovski (23-1) is looking to extend his impressive 20 fight win-streak that goes back to his time prior to joining the UFC. With ten of those victories coming inside the Octagon, “The Great” has established himself as one of the preeminent talents in the lighter weight classes following victories over Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, and José Aldo. He most recently defended his title in September against Ortega and prevailed after almost being submitted in the third round.
Jung (17-6) will be competing for a championship for the second time under the Zuffa banner after joining the WEC in 2010. Immediately becoming a fan-favorite, “The Korean Zombie” has been a long-time perennial contender with victories over the likes of Dustin Poirier, Frankie Edgar, Mark Hominick, and Renato Moicano. Jung last fought in June where he defeated Dan Ige by unanimous decision to return to the win-column following a loss in a title eliminator to Ortega.
While a new location has not been announced, it is speculated that the event could end up in Las Vegas. The UFC has returned to New York only once since the coronavirus pandemic set in with UFC 268 taking place at Madison Square Garden last November.
