In the main event of UFC Singapore, Max Holloway defeated “The Korean Zombie”, Chan Sung Jung, with a knockout punch in the third round, after which Jung announced his retirement from the sport.
Max Holloway accepted a challenge to battle with “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung in the UFC Singapore main event, a challenge that he met with vigor and intensity. The former featherweight champion, despite personal turmoil related to tragic wildfires in his home state of Hawaii, delivered a thrilling performance. From the commencement of the fight to the very end, Holloway and Jung were at each other’s throats. The third round saw the fighters throw caution to the wind and exchange heavy punches.
During this heated exchange, Holloway delivered a vicious right hand that left “The Korean Zombie” reeling and ultimately sent him face first to the canvas. The referee intervened swiftly, bringing the fight to an end just 23 seconds into the third round. Holloway then helped Jung back to his feet and held his hand aloft in triumph before a fervent Singaporean crowd. Holloway cordially acknowledged his opponent’s efforts, stating, “Give it up for ‘Korean Zombie,’ this guy’s a f****** legend! He’s ‘The Korean Zombie’ for a reason. I’m just lucky my right hand landed before his.”
The fight was a continually frantic affair, with “The Korean Zombie” relentlessly launching bombs at Holloway in almost every exchange. Post a closely contested opening round, Holloway countered aggressively in the second round, landing a hard shot that sent Jung sprawling on the floor. Rather than capitalizing on this with more punches, Holloway withdrew. However, the fight resumed and he locked onto a D’arce choke. Although the end seemed near, Jung managed to survive and even got back onto his feet. As the third round commenced, a resolute Jung appeared ready to throw everything at Holloway which eventually led to his downfall. Holloway’s powerful right hand blow was the knockout shot that had “The Korean Zombie” falling face-first onto the canvas, inducing the referee’s intervention.
Following the match, Jung, through his translator, announced his retirement from the sport. Overcoming with emotion, Jung said “I’m going to stop fighting,” adding that he had always aspired to be a champion, and his preparation to battle Holloway was thorough. However, his failure to defeat Holloway led him to believe that he no longer has the opportunity to reach his goal. As Jung left the octagon to the strains of his walkout song “Zombie” by The Cranberries, he was weeping while meeting his loved ones. His retirement leaves behind an impressive 17-8 record and a reputation as one of the most beloved fighters in UFC. Meanwhile, an emotional Holloway dedicated his fight to his fellow Hawaiians affected by the wildfires in his home state, saying, “Only thing on my mind is Lahaina, Maui. This one is for you guys.”