UFC Fight Night 225 set the Singapore Indoor Stadium ablaze on August 26, 2023, marking the adrenaline-filled promotion’s sixth foray into the city-state since UFC 275 in June 2022. The battleground in Kallang, Singapore, witnessed thirteen high-voltage fights, with seven ending in jaw-dropping stoppages. Yet, none captured the essence of the sport and the emotion behind each punch like the blockbuster main event.
In a featherweight bout that headlined the card, former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway, known for his fearless punches and quick footwork, clashed against South Korea’s Jung Chan-sung—more commonly dubbed as “The Korean Zombie.” As the crowd roared, chanting for “The Korean Zombie,” the atmosphere was electric, not just because of the anticipated action but also due to the emotional backdrop each fighter carried into the Octagon.
Holloway, with a record of 25-7 MMA and 21-7 UFC, couldn’t shake off thoughts of the wildfire catastrophe back home in Hawaii. Across the cage, a retirement shadow hung over Jung, who had a 17-8 MMA and 7-5 UFC record and had not fought in a year since losing to the formidable Alexander Volkanovski.
The oddsmakers had favoured Holloway, and 23 seconds into the third round, he vindicated their predictions. A knockout punch from Holloway turned off the lights for Jung, not only in the bout but also in his career.
The fight itself was a masterclass in strategy and counterattacks. Holloway employed his offensive manoeuvring, while Jung countered with leg kicks and punches. It was a dramatic narrative that evolved from the first touch of gloves to Jung getting floored by Holloway’s right hand. Despite cheers for Jung, Holloway’s tactical dominance unveiled itself more as the fight unfolded.
At one point, Holloway tried to submit Jung with a D’arce choke that even had referee Marc Goddard concerned for Jung’s consciousness. Though Holloway abandoned the hold, it indicated his multifaceted threat in the cage. When Jung seemed to get a second wind in Round 3, pressing on with a barrage of punches, Holloway waited for the right moment. A calculated counter right hand from the American silenced the roaring crowd and marked the end for the South Korean’s fighting career.
The fight’s aftermath was equally emotional. Holloway, in a post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, said, “I can’t even talk about the fight right now, the only thing on my mind is Lahaina, Maui. This one is for you guys… please help my fellow Hawaiians. It really means a lot.” When it came to explaining his strategy, he stated, “I’m just lucky my right hand landed before his.”
For Jung, the disappointment came with a monumental decision. He removed his gloves and through an interpreter announced, “I’m going to stop fighting. I’ve always aimed to become a champion when I first started the sport. I really, really believed I could beat him, but I ended up failing.”
His gloves rested in the centre of the Octagon as he bowed, drawing cheers from the crowd. Though his career never saw a mainstream title, the intensity and resilience he brought to each fight are the aspects he’ll be remembered for.
The night also featured an edge-of-the-seat women’s flyweight clash between Taila Santos and Erin Blanchfield. Despite Santos landing some strong early strikes, Blanchfield’s grappling prowess led her to a unanimous decision win. She now has a six-win streak in the UFC and is eyeing a shot at the winner of the forthcoming flyweight title bout.
As the dust settles on UFC Fight Night 225, Holloway may be eyeing a rematch against the division champion, Volkanovski. On the other hand, Blanchfield waits for her title shot. It was an evening that encapsulated the raw passion, tactical brilliance, and emotional intensity that make the UFC more than just a fight—it’s a spectacle where warriors are born, and legends bow out.
Full Results of the UFC Fight Night 225:
- Max “Blessed” Holloway sealed his victory over Chan Sung “The Korean Zombie” Jung, laying him out with a knockout punch just 23 seconds into the third round.
- Anthony Smith defeated Ryan Spann, pulling off a split decision with scores of 29-28, 28-29, 29-28.
- Giga Chikadze defeated Alex Caceres in a one-sided bout, bagging a unanimous decision with judges scoring it 30-27 all around.
- Rinya Nakamura defeated Fernie Garcia, taking a unanimous decision win with scores of 30-26, 30-26, and 30-27.
- Erin Blanchfield defeated Taila Santos, earning a unanimous decision with tight scores of 29-28 across the board.
- Junior Tafa defeated Parker Porter with a knockout punch, bringing the bout to an end in the first round at the 1:24 mark.
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta defeated Lukasz Brzeski with punches, scoring a knockout just 3:01 into the opening round.
- Garrett Armfield defeated Toshiomi Kazama, securing a TKO via a flurry of punches just 4:16 into the first round.
- Michal Oleksiejczuk defeated Chidi Njokuani, also earning a first-round TKO with punches at the 4:16 mark.
- Song Kenan outmanoeuvred Rolando Bedoya, claiming a unanimous decision with scores of 29-28 from all three judges.
- Billy Goff defeated Yusaku Kinoshita, ending the fight with a TKO due to punches 3:49 into the first round.
- JJ Aldrich triumphed over Liang Na, ending her night with a TKO from strikes at 4:49 in the second round.
- Seungwoo Choi emerged victorious over Jarno Errens, garnering a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.
