If the UFC does land a replacement opponent for Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 272 it seems ‘Korean Zombie’ Chan Sung Jung is the only serious option because Henry Cejudo and several other fighters were never under consideration.
Last Wednesday, fans were pumped when reports came out that a trilogy fight between elite featherweights Volkanovski (23-1) and Max Holloway (23-6) was planned for the headliner of the UFC’s pay-per-view event in March. However, before the fight fan euphoria could wear off, the bout was scrapped two days later after an injury forced “Blessed” out of the matchup.
With a rare opportunity up for grabs, two UFC stars publicly campaigned for the chance to replace Holloway and face “The Great” in the main event of UFC 272. Those individuals being one-time title contender Jung (17-6), and former two-division champion Cejduo (16-2).
‘Korean Zombie’ top choice, Henry Cejudo not even considered as replacement at UFC 272
Jung and Volkanovski have publicly flirted with the idea of an Octagon clash for the last couple of years, and the Korean MMA icon would be a fitting replacement considering his notable popularity internationally. “The Messenger” would also be a fantastic substitute, since the former flyweight and bantamweight champion has stated in several interviews that a chance to become the first three-division champion in UFC history is the only thing that would bring him out of his self imposed retirement.
Well, in a Saturday post to his Substack page, veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani went over the various options that the promotion could consider if Volkanovski prefers to compete in March. As well as why Jung has always been the first and only choice, and Cejudo never even had a chance.
“Now, nothing has been signed, but both [Volkanovski and Jung] want it, and especially when the champ wants it, it usually happens. No paperwork has been sent out yet, too. It’s all very fresh but it’s looking good,” Helwani wrote. “I know what you might be thinking: What about Giga Chikadze? Well, he does have to win next week. And even if he does, would he be ready on March 5? Who knows.
Henry Cejudo? The UFC isn’t too happy with ol’ CCC these days. He left them high and dry, remember? He was never considered, I’m told. Josh Emmett? Never really considered. Yair Rodriguez? Just fought. Banged up. Arnold Allen? Not quite there yet,” he added.
So, Volkanovski vs. Zombie it is. A fight over two years in the making. I don’t hate. It will be very entertaining and there’s a backstory.”
The high and dry that Helwani is referencing was “The Messenger’s” decision to retire at 33 and throw two divisions into limbo after he felt was not being paid to the level he deserved as one of only four fighters two hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.
Jung’s most recent Octagon appearance came in June of last year when he beat Dan Ige by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Vegas 29. He has won three of his last four.
Volkanovski last competed in Sept. at UFC 266. Beating top contender Brian Ortega by unanimous decision in 2021 fight of the year candidate.
Who would you rather see Volkanovski face at UFC 272, “Korean Zombie” or Cejudo?
