Alexander Volkanovski and the “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung have agreed to fight at UFC 273 and former champion Henry Cejudo is none too pleased.
The changes were first reported by MMA reporter Ariel Helwani.
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
Chan Sung Jung (17-6-0) responded affirmatively on Twitter to a request from featherweight champion Volkanovski (23-1-0) and the bout, along with the Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan bout, has been moved to UFC 273 in April.
🔥👍👊👊👊 https://t.co/w2fDCmosgM
— Chan Sung Jung (@KoreanZombieMMA) January 8, 2022
Jung (17-6-0), 34, has won three of his last four contests, including a decision over Dan Ige in his last bout. He is currently ranked No. 4 in the division.
According to ESPN, Volkanovski’s original opponent, Holloway pulled out Friday with an injury, creating a spot in the main event.
The UFC has not yet officially confirmed the changes.
Cejudo, a former flyweight and bantamweight champion who is now retired, threw his hat into the ring last Friday, offering to fight Volkanovski.
Triple C to the rescue. @danawhite you have my number. 🏆🏆🏆🏆 #C4 #bendtheknee https://t.co/Jkppjffm12 pic.twitter.com/CWkSzyNezf
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 7, 2022
Cejudo was looking to become a three-time UFC champion and was reduced instead to voicing his displeasure online.
Hey @alexvolkanovski it figures you would go for the Zombie…and not the guy that would turn you into the Walking Dead.
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 11, 2022
UFC 273 is scheduled for April 9 at a location to be determined. Other scheduled bouts include:
(C) ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI (23-1-0) VS. #4 CHAN SUNG JUNG (16-7-0)
(C) ALJAMAIN STERLING (20-3-0) VS. #1 PETR YAN (16-2-0)
#4 ASPEN LADD VS. #3 IRENE ALDANA (13-6-0) VS. #4 ASPEN LADD (9-2-0)
MICKEY GALL (7-4-0) VS. MIKE MALLOT (7-1-0)
#5 MACKENZIE DERN (11-2-0) VS. #7 TECIA TORRES (13-5-0)
More bouts are expected to be announced.
