By: Tanaay Shah

What a main event we have tonight with top featherweights #2 Brian “T-City” Ortega finally taking on #4 “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung. I say finally because this fight was supposed to take place in December 2019, but Ortega had to pull out because of an ACL tear. Ortega has not fought since December 2018, where he lost a one-sided TKO to then champion Max Holloway. Before that however, “T-City” had won 14 straight fights with 10 finishes. He is a jiu-jitsu black belt and has 7 submissions under his belt. He also has 3 KO/TKO wins, and his striking is always getting better. Ortega was on an absolute tear before running into Holloway. It will be interesting to see how Ortega does in the octagon after a near 2 year layoff that included a serious injury. Zombie on the other hand is coming off of 2 first round KO/TKO wins last year over former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and experienced Renato Moicano. Zombie has unbelievable striking and a very good submission game as well. He will surely try to keep the fight standing tonight, but if it goes to the ground, I would not count Zombie out either even against a guy like Ortega. 

Ortega does not tend to take his opponents down but that is where he does his best work. If Ortega gets a hold of his opponent’s head, or any limbs, he will not let it go and get into good positions to finish the fight. Zombie will want to keep the fight standing as long as possible and try to get Ortega out of there early because Ortega is known to get better as the fight progresses. The winner of this should fight for the featherweight belt next according to Dana White. It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but I can guarantee that this fight is going to be an absolute cracker.

Tanaay’s Picks

Zombie to win (-198)
I believe that the fight will stay standing and Zombie has the advantage on the feet. Also Ortega is a slow starter and Zombie tends to come out firing. Ortega needs to bring the fight to the ground to get a win, but Zombie is good enough to keep the fight standing.

Chookagian to win (+136)
Katlyn Chookagian is too tall and lengthy at 5’9” going against the 5’1” Jessica Andrade, who is making her flyweight debut. Chookagian has to worry about Andrade’s power, which I think she will avoid because of her length and skill. Chookagian also looked spectacular in her last fight, where she controlled the standing exchanges, and on the ground. Andrade is coming off of 2 losses, and I can’t see her winning this one either.

Crute by KO/TKO or Submission (-180)
2 young light heavyweights Jimmy Crute and Modestas Bukauskas will both be looking to move up the rankings with a finish. Both these fighters are fantastic prospects. Crute has more UFC fights under his belt, and that octagon experience and tougher competition will help him get the finish over Bukauskas.

Krause to win (-132)
Despite Claudio Silva being 38 years old, James Krause has many more fights and experience under his belt. Silva has world class jiu-jitsu but Krause is very well rounded and has the clear advantage in the stand up. Krause will get it done tonight.

Martinez to win (+116)
Jonathan Martinez looked spectacular in his win this year in August, while Almeida is coming off of 2 losses and has not fought since 2018. It will be interesting to see if he is affected by ring rust, and how he fairs tonight. Martinez has been active and seems hungry. Martinez will get the job done tonight.

*(Odds via https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/sports)

Watch the prelims at 4:00 pm EST and the main card at 7:00pm EST on ESPN+. Fight Island is going to deliver once again!