UFC’s ‘Korean Zombie’ secures TKO in 58 seconds against Renato Moicano at Fight Night 154
- Jung Chan-sung gets quick TKO victory against Brazilian prospect Renato Moicano in Greenville
- The 32-year-old gets his title ambitions back on track and says he’s looking to take out the rest of the division
The “Korean Zombie” Jung Chan-sung came back with a bang at UFC Greenville, pulling off a 58-second TKO over Renato Moicano on Saturday night.
Jung (15-5, 5KOs) hit the Brazilian prospect with a vicious overhand right early in the first round, and a left hand on the way down for good measure. He followed up with some ground and pound before the referee soon stepped in.
Korean MMA fighter Hwang In-soo gets knocked out in five seconds at Road FC 054
“This was a move that I’ve focused on for a long time and it was just a matter of time before I used it,” Jung said in his post-fight interview inside the Octagon. “That’s what I’ve been practising.”
The large contingent of Korean fans inside the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in South Carolina for UFC Fight Night 154 were on their feet with Jung and his team in tears after his victory, which could get the 32-year-old back on track for a title shot in a stacked featherweight division.
“We didn’t even know there were Koreans in South Carolina, so we were super happy to see that,” Jung's trainer Eddie Cha said on the ESPN+ post-fight show.
Jung looked to be heading in the right direction for a crack at featherweight champion Max Holloway before a stunning last-second knockout via spinning back elbow by Yair Rodriguez last November.
“I definitely forgot about that,” Jung said via Cha, who also acted as his translator. “But as a fighter, it definitely helps when you’re on a winning streak, as opposed to a losing streak.”
Panel co-host and former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley suggested to Jung and Cha that the “Zombie” take on 3rd-ranked Jose Aldo next. Brian Ortega and Alexander Volkanovski are above the Brazilian, though No 4 Frankie Edgar is getting the next shot at Holloway at UFC 240 in July.
“Probably 4, 3, 2 and 1,” said Cha. “We talked about it [the title], but we don’t want to look ahead. I think anybody higher ranked than he is, we’re one step closer to that goal.”
Jung moved to Arizona for his training camp with his wife while his children stayed back home in Korea, and he was emotional in his post-fight interview.
“To everyone that came all the way to Greenville to cheer for me, thank you very much,” Jung said inside the Octagon. “I would also like to thank Korean Top Team who made me who I am today. I’d like to thank coach Eddie Cha for everything.”
