Chan Sung Jung Willing To Fight Max Holloway Next: I Can Beat Him

Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger - Zuffa LLC

Off the back of his impressive unanimous decision triumph over the #8 ranked, Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 29 on Saturday, the #4 rated, Chan Sung Jung has revealed he is willing to meet with former featherweight champion, Max Holloway next -- that's only if the promotion are willing to switch approach and elect against a rescheduled bout with Yair Rodriguez.

Headlining the UFC Apex facility event, Pohang native, Jung rebounded from a comprehensive unanimous decision defeat to incoming title chaser, the #2 contender, Brian Ortega last October on 'Fight Island' in the form of an impressive, wrestling and grappling-heavy approach against Ige, scoring his own unanimous judging (48-47, and 49-46 (x2) victory.

Struggling early with the striking puzzles presented by Ige in the early rounds, Jung managed to score an impressive three takedowns from five total attempts, and took the Hawaiian's back on cue, riding out the final round from that position on route to his seventh Octagon victory, and 17th. professionally. 

Following the win, Jung spoke with media assembled backstage at the post-fight press conference, and explained how he had punching power when compared to former champion, Holloway, and how if pitted together, he could beat the former division pacesetter.

"Max (Holloway), he doesn't have punching power, but I have punching power," Jung told MMA Junkie reporter, John Morgan. "I can beat him."

While the South Korean fan favourite called for a pairing with Holloway next, the former titleholder was recently forced out of a July 17th. UFC Fight Night headliner with the #3 ranked, Rodriguez, however, an undisclosed injury forced the Hawaii striker from the matchup -- which is expected to be rescheduled for a later date.

Jung has made it clear, however, that he's willing to match with Holloway next, however, maintains he has respect for past opponent, Rodriguez, and wouldn't step in the way of their slated pairing, unless the organization wanted to move in a different direction matchmaking-wise.

"This fight (against Ige) really gave me the confidence that I can mix it up and I can be a world champion," Jung continued through his translator. "Definitely, I want a title shot first. If I can't get a title shot then I'm willing to fight Max, but I respect Yair (Rodriguez) and don't want to do the way of kind of jumping between those two when they were already set to fight."