The MMA Daily

The main event comes in the Featherweight division, as Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski makes his third title defense against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung. Making his first appearance in 2022, Volkanovski returns to the octagon looking to continue his reign at 145 pounds. Undefeated in the UFC and a winner of twenty straight, Volkanovski has quietly been improving his status among the pound-for-pound best. With little signs of slowing down, Volkanovski is inching closer and closer to being in the conversation as the Featherweight Goat. Meanwhile, Jung comes into this fight seeking redemption. Having dislocated his shoulder in a 2013 title fight against Jose Aldo, to then being out of action for over three years with some of time being due to mandatory military service, one would suffice to say, Jung has had quite the journey back to the title. With wins in three of his last four, Jung comes into this fight with momentum.

As for a prediction, I have Volkanovski winning. While Jung is a very credible foe, the wave that is Volkanovski doesn’t seem to be crashing anytime soon. Well rounded, with exceptional striking and wrestling, Volkanovski has been dominating everyone with the exception of Max Holloway. Having most recently defeated Brian Ortega, Volkanovski proved that his submission defense and striking abilities are next level. In fact, Volkanovski landed an absurd 214 significant strikes. The third straight fight he has eclipsed 136 strikes. Now, Jung isn’t going to be an easy out. Armed with an iron chin, power on the feet and under utilized grappling skills, it’s plausible that he can threaten both on the feet and the ground. However, Volkanovski is too good and too cerebral. To survive Ortega’s submissions not once, but twice and go on to land over 200 strikes is sign of growth and a fighter evolving. So with all that said, I predict Volkanovski will retain via decision.