RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 02: (L-R) Opponents Jose Aldo and "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung shake hands during the UFC 163 weigh-in at HSBC Arena on August 2, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
We take a look back at the featherweight main event between Jose Aldo and Korean Zombie at UFC 163
Jose Aldo became the inaugural UFC Featherweight Champion, receiving the first-ever featherweight title belt on Saturday, 20 November 2010 at UFC 123. Riding into UFC 163 with a four-fight win streak, Aldo would face his next challenge against the tough and resilient Korean Zombie.
Chan Sun Jung aka Korean Zombie, was on an impressive three-fight win streak of his own in the UFC, with notable victory against Dustin Poirier. Many had favored the Zombie’s chance to derail the Brazilian champion.
The fight began with both fighters coming out strong, but Aldo getting the better of most exchanges. The memory of ‘Scarface’ tenderizing Uriah Faber’s lead leg still runs chills to the marrow. The Brazilian utilized his wide array of Muay Thai striking skills to systematically damage the Zombie’s attack.
Many had believed that the Zombie will come with a wrestling heavy approach since that’s the only area where Aldo wasn’t seemingly tested. It looked like Aldo hurt his foot at the beginning of the fight, and quickly adjusted his game plan to grappling. He took the Zombie down on multiple occasions and kept him down for a significant amount of time.
Jung on the other hand failed to capitalize on the damage and was swinging in thin air for most of the fight. Although he sneaked in some good punches, it was negligent considering Jose Aldo’s ferocious output.
Jose Aldo’s jab worked all night long, and he brilliantly disguised his takedowns behind the jab. He despotically calculated Jung’s footwork and pattern, powering well-timed takedowns from the outside.
It was during the fourth round that a wild exchange led to the Zombie’ shoulder getting dislocated, and Aldo smelled blood immediately. He rushed his attack and overwhelmed Zombie with his flurry. Aldo emerged victorious with a TKO stoppage inside 2 mins in the fourth round.
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