The Korean Zombie went out on his shield in the main event of UFC Singapore. In what would turn out to be the final fight of his career Chan Sun Jung went toe to toe with Max Holloway for two frenzied rounds.
But The Korean Zombie was caught with a clean right hand in the third round that left him flatlined. In the aftermath of a fight that saw both men handed $50,000 USD performance bonuses he announced his retirement.
The 36 year old had the crowd chanting his name from the outset and let his hands go with some beautiful shots. Holloway fired back with some solid punches of his own, and periodically led with a jab to the body as he sought to wear down his opponent’s gas tank.
Buoyed by the crowd, the Korean continued to burst forward with flurries. Holloway’s movement was slick though and he staggered his opponent with a counter right just 90 seconds into the fight.
The Korean Zombie also found a home for his right hand on numerous occasions only to be tagged by a lead left hook. Holloway had come into this contest as an overwhelming favourite but his veteran opponent was holding his own to the delight of the crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
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Hard right
Holloway dropped him with a hard right hand in the second stanza and eventually worked his way into a D’arce choke. It appeared to be locked in tight but The Korean Zombie is known for his resilience and durability.
He somehow found his feet and went for a takedown before throwing several wild flurries that left him wide open for Holloway’s counters. It was entertaining stuff but by this stage the Hawaiian had clearly established his superiority.
In the third round, The Korean Zombie opted to throw the kitchen sink at Holloway and tried to take his head off with punches. The former UFC featherweight champion was too slick for him though and he got there first.
A stunning right hand collapsed the legend to the canvas as Holloway scored his first knockout since the Brian Ortega win in 2018. The finish came at the 0:23 card and sees the Hawaiian improve to 24-7 and consolidate his position as the #1 ranked featherweight.
After regaining consciousness, The Korean Zombie announced his retirement via a translator during his post-fight speech. He retires with a record of 17-8 and received a standing ovation from the 10,263 in attendance.
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Best of the rest
In the co-main event, Anthony Smith (37-18) scored a split decision win over Ryan Spann (21-9) in their light heavyweight fight. Elsewhere Erin Blanchfield (12-1) may have earned herself a flyweight title shot with a unanimous decision win over Taila Santos (19-3).
UFC Singapore, Singapore, August 26th
Max Holloway def. Chan Sun Jung via KO (punch) at 0:23 of R3
Anthony Smith def. Ryan Spann via Decision (Split)
Giga Chikadze def. Alex Caceres via Decision (Unanimous)
Rinya Nakamura def. Fernie Garcia via Decision (Unanimous)
Erin Blanchfield def. Taila Santos via Decision (Unanimous)
Junior Tafa def. Parker Porter via KO (Punch) at 1:24 of R1
Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Łukasz Brzeski via KO (Punches) at 3:01 of R1
Garrett Armfield def. Toshiomi Kazama via TKO (Punches) at 4:16 of R1
Michał Oleksiejczuk def. Chidi Njokuani via TKO (Punches) at 4:16 of R1
Song Kenan def. Rolando Bedoya via Decision (Unanimous)
Billy Goff def. Yusaku Kinoshita via TKO (Punches) at 3:49 of R1
JJ Aldrich def. Liang Na via TKO (punches and elbows) at 4:49 of R2
Choi Seung-woo def. Jarno Errens via Decision (Unanimous)
