Alexander Volkanovski retains his featherweight title at UFC 273 as he defeats ‘The Korean Zombie,’ Chan Sung Jung in the main event of UFC 273. The fight was stopped in the 4th round by referee Herb Dean after the challenger stopped responding to the repeated punches.
The fight was very one-sided from the offset. Alex was swift on his feet and his movement gave the Zombie a lot of trouble. He looked lost in the middle while Volkanovski just picked him apart from the outside with beautifully executed leg kicks.
YOUR FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMP REMAINS #ANDSTILL????
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2022
[ #UFC273 | @AlexVolkanovski | B2YB @Anuel_2bleA ] pic.twitter.com/8NrVkgddBt
The 35-year old did land on a few counter punches of his own. But nothing seemed to phase the champion who seemed to be in a different league altogether. He almost finished the fight in the third round itself but ran out of time to put Zombie away. However, Herb Dean had seen enough as he called the fight within the first 45 seconds of the 4th round.
Alexander Volkanovski refuses to call out Max Holloway after UFC 273
Following his victory, Alexander Volkanovski claimed that the bout could have been stopped much earlier. The Aussie stated that he felt bad about having to punish his opponents more than what was actually required. The 33-year old said,
Nothing but respect ???? #UFC273 pic.twitter.com/fPundwqG1X
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2022
“Mate I told yous before this fight, all week, I said I’m on another level right now, I can’t be stopped and I just showed yous. He actually took a lot more than I wanted him to, I thought they could have stopped it a bit earlier. I started feeling bad in there, but that’s the sport we’re in.”
He also added that the drive to do better has motivated him ahead of tonight’s masterclass.
“Mate it’s just drive, drive to be better. Always be better, you know what I mean? You can be better everywhere. Have that drive, that motivation and just keep looking for ways to improve, that’s it. It’s that easy.”
“Like I say every time, not that I’m the most athletically gifted guy. Hard work (and) drive got me to where I’m and look what I’m doing. Ruby after ruby, baby. We’re gonna keep them rolling. Australia, like I said baby, I’m bringing that home. Love yous.”
However, Alexander ‘the great’ refused to call out anybody for his next fight. But he did allude toward the canceled fight between him and Max Holloway for this very event. In all likelihood, UFC will try to make that fight happen one more time as it is the biggest fight in the division and Holloway has earned the opportunity.