This fight is the first in a series exploring the most exciting fights to make in each weight class for the UFC 2021 schedule. We begin at featherweight with the fight I most want to see.
Here Comes the Tornado
Bryce “Thugnasty” Mitchell and Chan Sung “Korean Zombie” Jung are the only two fighters in the history of the UFC to execute a move called The Twister inside the octagon. Brought into the Jiu-Jitsu world by BJJ legend Eddie Bravo, it is a complicated move intended to rearrange your spine in the most uncomfortable way possible. I have been “twistered”, and trust me. You do not want to find yourself in this position.
Lets Talk About Arkansas
“Thugnasty” is a growing fan favorite, and undefeated as a professional fighter. He is coming off of a razor-thin win over the amazing Andre Fili. Thugnasty will mix it up in the striking world, but his specialty is grappling; he has made world-class grapplers look green on the ground. The most interesting thing about Mitchell, though, is the camo shorts he just got permission to wear in his most recent fight. Those pair nicely with his insistence on bringing up Arkansas every time a microphone is put in front of him. This dude is country, and proud of it.
What about the Zombie?
The Korean Zombie has to be one of the best nicknames in all of sports. Zombie has earned that moniker by walking forward through tremendous striking on more than one occasion. He is coming off a loss to Brian Ortega, who is likely next up for a title shot at featherweight. He is a fan favorite because of a style that is as exciting as it can be devastating. After serving the mandatory military service in his native South Korea, Zombie has looked like the best version of himself. This man has true knockout power, and in a small, fast weight class. Not many people his size pack the same kind of punch.
The Nickname Fight of the Year
This is the most exciting fight not scheduled at featherweight. If Thugnasty gets past the Zombie, you have a legitimate star on your hands. However, if Zombie wins, a fan favorite re-establishes his title trajectory against one of the most dangerous featherweights on the roster. This could headline a fight night as a five rounder, or be the co-main on a pay per view. Please, Dana, make this fight happen on the UFC 2021 schedule, and take my money.
Follow me on Twitter @phicks7 and let me know what you think about this or any other potential UFC 2021 matchups.
