Da-un Jung: Kennedy Nzechukwu’s slow start led to damage, which led to brutal elbows

LAS VEGAS – Da-un Jung beat Kennedy Nzechukwu with a first-round knockout Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 197 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Jung, who ran his unbeaten streak to 15 fights.

Da-un Jung vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu

Result: Da-un Jung def. Kennedy Nzechukwu via knockout (elbows) – Round 1, 3:04
Updated records: Jung (15-2-1 MMA, 4-0-1 UFC), Nzechukwu (9-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Key stat: Jung has 13 of his 15 wins by stoppage, including 11 knockouts.

Jung on the fight's key moment

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 13: (R-L) Da-un Jung of South Korea punches Kennedy Nzechukwu of Nigeria in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on November 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“His reach was a little bit longer than mine, and for this game plan we basically anticipated him throwing his shot. But once we got in the cage, for whatever reason, he felt a little slow and a little flat-footed, and he wasn’t using his jab. So I decided to grab his lead hand and work my own jab. I saw the damage kind of adding up, and that led to the elbows.”

Jung on what led to the win

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 13: (L-R) Kennedy Nzechukwu of Nigeria punches Da-un Jung of South Korea in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on November 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“I just felt like I was in better shape than my opponent.”

Jung on what he wants next

“I haven’t really thought about it, but naturally I’m on a four-fight winning streak, so they’ll probably give me someone really strong next. I’m honestly just happy to fight, whoever it is.”

To hear more from Jung, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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