Joo Sang Yoo, known as "Zombie Jr.," electrified the MMA world with a sensational UFC debut, knocking out Jeka Saragih in just 28 seconds on the UFC 316 prelims. The South Korean prospect, who walked out to the iconic "Zombie" anthem in tribute to his mentor, the legendary Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung, wasted no time making a statement.
Saragih, known for his aggressive style, charged forward early, but Yoo countered with a perfectly timed check left hook that sent the Indonesian fighter crashing face-first to the canvas. The referee quickly called a stop, marking one of the fastest and most dramatic finishes of the year.
Yoo, who entered the Octagon undefeated with a 7-0 record and four first-round knockouts, now improves to 9-0 as a pro. His performance drew immediate comparisons to Conor McGregor, especially after Yoo credited his training stint at SBG Ireland—McGregor’s home gym—for helping refine his skills and approach to recovery. Yoo emphasized the difference between Korean and European MMA training, noting, "Korean fighters often struggle with the concept of proper rest," a lesson he took to heart during his time abroad.
With this highlight-reel knockout, “Zombie Jr.” has positioned himself as a must-watch featherweight and a potential heir to the Korean Zombie’s legacy. Fight fans are already speculating about his next matchup—and whether his meteoric rise will continue in the UFC’s stacked division.
