UFC 273: Alexander Volkanovski vs. The Korean Zombie Odds, Prediction

Saturday’s strong UFC 273 card in Jacksonville, Fla. is headlined by the second title fight of the evening.  The main event features featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending his belt for the third time as he prepares to face “The Korean Zombie”, Chan Sung Jung.

Volkanovski is a massive -605 favourite to win on the MMA odds, while Jung is a +405 underdog.

Alexander Volkanovski UFC 273 Odds

Volkanovski (21-1 MMA record) is on an absolutely dominant run, with 20 straight wins and only one career loss.  The former professional boxer is 10-0 since debuting in the UFC in 2016 and comes in ranked as the No. 3 fighter in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.  Only three other fighters have built a double-digit win streak in the Octagon without a single loss – Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kamaru Usman and Royce Gracie.  That’s some pretty elite company.

“The Great” has 11 career wins by knockout, nine by decision and three by submission.  He won the vacant featherweight belt against Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 245 in December 2019.  Volkanovski also won the rematch by split decision in his first title defence.  He then defended the belt for a second time with a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega at UFC 266 last September.

The 33-year-old Australian is already considered to be one of the most complete UFC fighters ever.  He has a strong motor and his high Fight IQ leaves no obvious holes in his offence or defence.  Volkanovski’s last title defence went to decision, but he dominated Ortega and took the fight to him from the beginning, also working free from two deep submission attempts.

Volkanovski is a volume striker who averages 6.42 significant strikes per minute with 56 per cent accuracy.  Jung averages 4.07 strikes with 43 per cent accuracy.  Volkanovski also has a background in wrestling and semi-professional rugby, both of which have helped his core strength, making him dangerous in a ground-and-pound situation.

Chan Sung Jung “The Korean Zombie” UFC 273 Odds

Jung (17-6 MMA record) has been a bit hit-or-miss since his UFC debut in 2011.  He’s the No. 4 ranked featherweight fighter and he competed for the WEC, Pancrase, World Victory Road and DEEP promotions before putting together a 7-3 record in the UFC.  Jung has won three of his last four fights, including first round TKO (punches) wins over Renato Moicano and Frankie Edgar.  K.Z. was last in action in June 2021, beating Dan Ige by unanimous decision.

The Korean Zombie has six wins by knockout, eight by submission and three by decision.  This will be his first title shot in almost 10 years.  He lost to Jose Aldo by fourth round TKO (punches) at UFC 163 in 2013.  Since debuting in the UFC, Jung has picked up three Performance of the Night bonuses, one Fight of the Night, one Knockout of the Night and one Submission of the Night.

The 35-year-old South Korean is one of the most durable and dangerous fighters in the division.  He earned his nickname because of a relentless ability to continue pressing forward while being seemingly unbothered by his opponents’ shots.  Jung is a strong technical boxer and underrated grappler, but Volkanovski will be potentially the most dangerous opponent he has ever faced.

Jung has a half-inch reach advantage and 2.5-inch leg advantage.  His takedown accuracy is 47 per cent and his takedown defence is 77 per cent.  Volkanovski’s accuracy is 34 per cent and his defence is 70 per cent.  Jung was much more patient and methodical in his last fight against Ige and there’s no reason to expect anything different against Volkanovski.  K.Z. has a reputation for being a fighter who either finishes his opponent or gets finished by his opponent.  It will be his toughest test yet on Saturday.

UFC 273 Prediction: Volkanovski vs. The Korean Zombie

With a nickname like the Korean Zombie, Jung will always be a fan favourite.  He’s more than an entertaining fighter, however, he’s a skilled one.  The problem is Jung’s opponent.  Volkanovski is one of the most dominant UFC fighters in years and there are absolutely no holes in his game.  With seven of his last nine wins coming by points, bank on that trend continuing on Saturday.  Volkanovski wins by unanimous decision.