Pettis Injured, Korean Zombie now Meets Jose Aldo at UFC 163

Pettis Injured, Korean Zombie now Meets Jose Aldo at UFC 163
 by Jack Broadey - @j3ck_b

Dana White today revealed the big title fight between Antony Pettis and Jose Aldo has had to be called off. A knee injury has forced Pettis to pull out of UFC 163. It's a massive shame for Pettis who has claims to being the number 1 contender at Lightweight before deciding to chance his arm at Aldo at Featherweight.

It was a dream matchup for fans and a legitimate super-fight. There styles clashed perfectly and the fight was bound to be fireworks with both men capable of landing multiple ridiculous strikes from all angles. Kicks, punches, knees, both men have the full arsenal of striking talents. We can only hope this match is made later on this year but many cards would have to fall into place for that to happen.

The next step for Aldo is still to headline UFC 163. Dana White managed to replace Pettis straight away and we still get a Featherweight title clash. Fan favourite Chan Sung Jung or "the Korean Zombie" as he's affectionately called answered the call.

He last fought in May of 2012 winning a fight of the night and submission of the night award with a superb performance over Dustin Poirier. His last fight before was a 7 second knockout win over Mark Hominik. Before that? The 1st ever win by twister submission. The man knows how to finish fights and how to win in style. He's coming off an injury lay off and was originally scheduled for a UFC 162 return against Ricardo Lamas.

There are bound to be some complaints questioning if The Zombie deserves this fight. There are plenty of candidates at Featherweight. Chad Mendes is on a rebuilding effort at the moment and its too close to his KO loss to Aldo to be considered. Cub Swanson is rolling through thought opponents but the vivid image of Aldo's flying knee to KO him sticks in the mind still.

That leaves Zombies original opponent Lamas. As a good a roll he is on at the moment the decision ultimately came down to name recognition. Zombie has won fights and won them in style. That sends out a good positive message from Zuffa. Win fights and win them in style and you will get your reward. Aldo v Korean Zombie is no Aldo v Pettis but its a relevant featherweight title defense none the less. Injuries can't be helped and this is an intriguing match up in its place.