New FSM Essential Preview: UFC 273 - Volkanovski Vs The Korean Zombie

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New FSM Essential Recap: UFC 273 – Volkanovski vs The Koren Zombie

The UFC is back with UFC 273, and they have another grand fight card that features two title fights.

The UFC returns to Jacksonville, Florida, as it will feature two highly anticipated title bouts and several fighters on the rise in the promotion in intriguing matchups.

The main event will see the Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski (23-1), defend his title against “The Koren Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (17-6).

Volkanovski is looking to make his third successful title defense and maintain his position at the top of the men’s 145lbs division. The former Australian rugby player is on a twenty-fight win streak, ten of which have come in the UFC—utilizing his speed and quickness to move in and out when striking, vicious leg kicks, top-level athletic ability, and the never give up heart of a champion. The one they call “Alexander The Great” has won fans over during his rise up the ranks, and his showings against some of the biggest and best names along the way have proven him to be among the elite class of fighters in 145lbs history.

His opponent, one of the most exciting fighters on the roster to watch, The Koren Zombie, lives up to his name every time he steps into the octagon. Of his ten UFC bouts(7-3), Zombie has earned seven post-fight bonuses. So when the Zombie fights, we are in for a show. His come-forward style, ability to absorb damage, power in his strikes, and flare for dragging his foes into a back and forth war have made him one of the biggest fan favorites.

Styles make fights, and this clash of styles will make for one fantastic showing once again. Volkanovski wants to stay on the move, going in and out, making his leather leg kicks a weapon early and often to slow down his challenger’s movement. Zombie wants to make this a back alley brawl. Land body shots and catch the champion with counters when he jumps in to strike.

These two warriors will give us a great showing, and it’ll be interesting to see what changes both have made for the rematch and who’s game plan can be executed.

The co-main will feature a rematch for the men’s Bantamweight title.

The co-main has been in the works for over a year. It is finally here and going to happen.

Aljamain Sterling (20-3)will defend his title against former champion Petr Yan (16-2).

The two first met in March of 2021 at UFC 259. Yan was disqualified after landing a knee to the head of a down Sterling, who couldn’t continue. Replay showed Sterling’s knee was just a hair off the mat when he took the knee. Many fans felt Sterling, who was losing the bout, milked the issue and pretended to be more hurt than he really was as a way to earn the win.

Despite the controversy, Sterling was awarded the title via DQ but has not stepped back into action in over a year as he recovered and healed up some other injuries he was suffering through. Yan, on the other hand, had one more bout and has sat eagerly waiting for his shot at redemption to show he truly is the better fighter. Both have exchanged trash talk through social media and in interviews. Sterling wants to prove he is the legit champion, and he can beat his challenger without a DQ. Yan is looking to show he is the true champion and rightful owner of that title.

The war of words will come to a head as the two finally square off again to settle the score.

Also on the card is a showdown in the welterweight division as Gilbert Burns (20-4) takes on Khamzat Chimaev (10-0). Burns, a world-renowned Brazilian Jui-Jitsu ace and former title challenger, will look to see if he can survive the tornado that is Chimaev. The Swedish fighter has run through, and that’s being nice, the competition in his four bouts in the UFC.

To put into perspective what kind of run he’s been on, in his four bouts, he has landed 112 significant strikes. He’s fought for twelve minutes and fifty-four seconds. His control has been eleven minutes and fifty-six seconds. He has two submission wins and two knockouts. Also, in four UFC bouts, he’s only absorbed ONE significant strike. Khamzat is on a run we have never seen this dominate. With a victory, it’s easy to see that he’s the next clear challenger for the 170lbs title. Can he continue his terror? Or will Burns be able to solve the puzzle that most are still in awe of? Time will tell.