Some Are Already Calling This the Greatest KO in the History of the UFC… Yair Rodriguez Knocked Out Chan Sung Jung in the Final SECOND of Their UFC Denver Main Event…
This was the main event that exceeded everybody’s expectations. Fan-favorite Chan Sung Jung – better known as the Korean Zombie – took on Mexico’s Yair Rodriguez in an incredible fight, with action and heart coming from both men. It ended in one of the greatest knock-outs we have ever seen.
The Korean Zombie was forced to take two years out of action because of South Korea’s mandatory military service policy for all able-bodied men. He’s fought once since his official return, beating Dennis Bermudez. Meanwhile, rising star Rodriguez was most recently beaten by Frankie Edgar and fell out with UFC after refusing to fight Zabit Magomedsharipov.
He was sensationally cut, but brought back again and just provided the promotion with a magnificent highlight reel moment on its 25th Anniversary. Honestly, if you haven’t seen this you need to watch the video footage below. It’s truly unbelievable.
1 second left… No better way to go out on the 25th Anniversary! pic.twitter.com/aGg1Z0bAeO
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) November 11, 2018
Incredible
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this finish. This was was an incredibly close back-and-forth fight between two men with a lot of heart and skill. Rodriguez was very slick and flashy but visibly slowed down that went on into the later rounds. The Korean Zombie was probably just ahead before the end of the final round. He didn’t look as pretty, but his straight jab was very effective.
It all came down to the last few seconds. Chan Sung Jung went charging in and was caught by a ludicrous back elbow to the chin, that immediately sent him into the abyss. The referee waved for the finish just as the bell sounded to end the round. It was sensational.
The Korean Zombie. El Pantera. Relive this all out battle 😳 pic.twitter.com/sZabWlGqBH
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) November 11, 2018
Next Stop?
It’s hard to know where Yair Rodriguez goes from here. Maybe we’ll finally get that fight against Zabit Magomedsharipov. The Dagestani was quick to call out his Mexican rivalry after the finish. One thing is for sure, the UFC won’t be able to cut him again quickly after this one!
Meanwhile, we’ve seen something of a changing of the guard in recent years. Sadly for Chan Sung Jung, it’s unlikely that we’ll see him in title contention anytime soon. Those two years out in his prime might have cost him the best part of his career.
OMG. #UFCDenver (@allelbows) pic.twitter.com/OYnzRdEvYf
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) November 11, 2018
Meanwhile…
The co-main event also threw up a superb finish, with Donald Cerrone submitting ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry in the 1st round of their widely anticipated grudge match. ‘Cowboy’ actually managed to break Perry’s arm, after the Michigan native was late to tap. For the full night’s results, check out below:
Yair Rodriguez def. Chan Sung Jung (KO).
Donal Cerrone def. Mike Perry. (Armbar).
Germaine de Randamie def. Raquel Pennington (UD).
Beneil Dariush def. Thiago Moises (UD).
Maycee Barber def. Hannah Cifers (TKO).
Mike Trizano def. Luis Pena (SD).
Ashley Yoder def. Amanda Cooper (SD).
Bobby Moffer def. Chas Skelly (Brabo Choke).
Davi Ramos def. John Gunther (Rear-Naked Choke).
Devonte Smith def. Julian Erosa (KO).
Eric Shelton def. Joseph Morales (SD).
Mark de la Rosa def. Joby Sanchez (SD).
