Talented light heavyweight, Da Un Jung has made a strong impression since arriving in the UFC in 2019 and he showcased his strength early on against William Knight in Las Vegas tonight (local time).
The Korean resisted a takedown as the pair clinched at UFC on ABC 2 and was able to wrestle Knight to the ground, ending up in top position and landing some solid bursts of ground and pound.
When Knight was finally able to spring back to his feet, he was slammed back down again within moments of resuming the clinch. Working from half guard, Jung left the American dripping with blood following a string of sharp elbows.
Both fighters exchanged some heavy leg kicks at the start of the second round.
Jung, who enjoys a six-inch height advantage over Knight, had the better of the exchanges and was effective with his jab before launching his opponent to the mat from the clinch again.
The Korean Top Team fighter took Knight’s back and unleashed countless blows to almost end the fight but ‘Knightmare’ was able to hang on and see the end of the round.
Knight would have been well aware that he needed a finish in the third round and opened up with some big overhand rights. Jung responded with a double leg. The 27-year old’s wrestling was exceptional throughout and as Knight scrambled to his feet, Jung emphasized his dominance by slamming him back down twice in quick succession.
Working from the North-South position, Jung dished out punches to the ribs and short elbows to the stomach to cap off a performance of almost complete control.
“I'll fight anyone ranked higher than me.”
Da-un Jung has his eyes set on the light heavyweight rankings after he used the lessons he learned from his last fight to put on a dominant performance.
More #UFCVegas23 Results ⬇️:
— UFC News (@UFCNews) April 10, 2021
Rising stock
Following two wins via stoppage and an action-packed draw since signing with the UFC, Jung’s stock continues to rise at 205lb. His record extends to 14-2-1.
Reflecting on his performance, he said,
“The game plan was to actually jab and low kick all day long but he didn’t meet me in the middle. He kept backing up. So I had to change it up really quick. I’m very comfortable in the clinch, so I got the takedowns from there. (Next) I’ll fight anyone ranked higher than me.”
Da-Un Jung makes it 1️⃣4️⃣ fights unbeaten!
The #UFCVegas23 prelims continue on @ESPN & #ESPNPlus. pic.twitter.com/28ukFYuQlv
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2021
Submission loss
Hong Kong’s Sasha Palatnikov suffered a submission loss to Impa Kasanganay on the early prelims. Having earned a performance of the night bonus on his octagon debut at UFC 255, Palatnikov suffered a setback here as he slipped to 6-3 in what was an impressive display from Kasanganay in his first showing at 170lb.
‘Thsilobo’ came into the fight on the back of a an infamous, viral knockout loss against Joaquin Buckley in October, but returned to winning ways with a flourish.
The Sanford MMA fighter caught Palatnikov with a right hand early in the second round and went for the takedown. The 27-year-old was able to sink in a solid rear naked choke to seal his first-ever stoppage victory in the UFC. His overall record now stands at 9-1.
UFC on ABC 2, Las Vegas, May 10th
Marvin Vettori def. Kevin Holland by Decision (Unanimous)
Arnold Allen def. Sodiq Yusuff by Decision (Unanimous)
Julian Marquez def. Sam Alvey by Technical Submission (Rear-naked choke) at 2:07 of Round 2
Mackenzie Dern def. Nina Nunes by Submission (Armbar) at 4:48 of Round 1
Daniel Rodriguez def. Mike Perry by Decision (Unanimous)
Joe Solecki def. Jim Miller by Decision (Unanimous)
Mateusz Gamrot def. Scott Holtzman by KO (Punches) at 1:22 of Round 2
John Makdessi def. Ignacio Bahamondes by Decision (Split)
Jarjis Danho def. Yorgan De Castro by KO (Punch) at 3:02 of Round 1
Jack Shore def. Hunter Azure by Decision (Split)
Luis Saldana def. Jordan Griffin by Decision (Unanimous)
Da Un Jung def. William Knight by Decision (Unanimous)
Impa Kasanganay def. Sasha Palatnikov by Submission (Rear-naked choke) at 0:26 of Round 2
