Max Holloway Climbs One Step Closer to Featherweight Title

Max Holloway knocks out The Korean Zombie, taking one step closer to the UFC featherweight title

Max Holloway expected the absolute best from “The Korean Zombie” Jung Chan-sung. And that is exactly what he received.

“I could tell right away Zombie came to fight,” says Holloway. “He looked good, and he was really fast on his feet.”

The fight appeared to be over in the second round when Holloway landed a shot to the head that dropped Zombie. But Holloway hesitated for a brief second instead of pounding Zombie with hammer fists, missing a golden opportunity to end the fight.

Holloway then attempted a choke to end the bout–which would have marked his first submission victory since 2015–yet that was not to be. Zombie somehow escaped the choke, and quickly regained his footing.

“I wanted a walkoff there, but it didn’t work out,” says Holloway. “So I went for the choke. I heard him gurgling, but then Zombie became a zombie. His neck is made out of rubber.”

Even though Zombie survived Holloway’s onslaught in the second, he was clearly hurt. Holloway correctly gauged that would alter his strategy in the third, which is what led to the knockout.

“Zombie is not going to die on his shield and go for a decision,” says Holloway. “Zombie is dying on his sword.”

The finish came 23 seconds into the third round when Holloway drilled Zombie’s skull with a vicious right hand. That marked an intense stretch, as Zombie–just as Holloway predicted–entered the round swinging. Holloway connected with a counter, delivering the knockout blow.

“Zombie came out strong in the third,” says Holloway. “He threw a right hand, I threw a right hand, but mine landed faster. I was lucky to land my shot before he landed his.”

Holloway’s KO came amidst Zombie’s flurry of strikes. Zombie’s aggressiveness was a stark contrast from Holloway’s patience, which played a critical factor in helping him win the fight.

“The key was staying patient,” says Holloway. “I’ve been working a lot on that. Boxing is patience, and I was out there proving why I’m the best boxer in the UFC.”

Holloway will be 32 years old when he next enters the Octagon. He has now collected two straight victories, which includes his defeat of Arnold Allen in April.

One final time for @KoreanZombieMMA ❤️🇰🇷 #UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/7SEYMUnPEf

— UFC (@ufc) August 26, 2023

The victory was also significant for another reason. It was the final fight for Zombie (17-8), who announced his retirement following the loss.

“It meant a lot to be in there with him for his last fight,” says Holloway. “I looked up to Zombie. I know it didn’t go the way he wanted, but I was honored to fight him. He’s a legend. He opened doors for a lot of people. The dude’s a legend.”

Holloway proudly represented Hawaii. After the fight, he again encouraged people to donate to those whose lives have been ripped apart by the wildfires. He was also a picture of perseverance and resilience, delivering another outstanding performance in the cage.

"Lahaina, Maui, this one's for you guys." ❤️@BlessedMMA | #UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/RXd86TB9bc

— UFC (@ufc) August 26, 2023

Holloway’s two-fight win streak is especially impressive considering the manner in which he was manhandled last summer by Alexander Volkanovski, a humbling third loss to the champ. But the strong showing has reinserted Holloway back among the top of the featherweight division.

“Always bet on yourself,” says Holloway. “And this sport is hard. You’re only as good as your last fight. When I lost to Volk, people said I wasn’t me anymore. It was the same with Zombie after he lost to Volk.

“It’s not like any other sport. Baseball, you can have a bad day, then you’re playing again the next day. When you lose a bad fight, it takes three or four months to get back in there. It took Korean Zombie over a year to get back [after losing to Volkanovski in April of 2022]. So I just needed to keep working and make sure people remembered who I am.”

As for his next fight, Holloway is still another win away from challenging Volkanovski–and perhaps even two. A victory against Ilia Topuria would go a long way in proving he deserves another shot at the title.

“We’ll see what happens,” says Holloway. “I’m all about proving I’m undeniable. I’m not here to call someone out. At the end of the day, whoever the fans want to see me fight, let’s move in that direction.

“I’m working to get back to the top of the mountain.”