Max Holloway received a wild welcome when he touched down in Korea on Sunday.
The former UFC featherweight champion travelled to East Asia to help one of his old rivals evaluate aspiring fighters who hope to earn a sport on an upcoming MMA event he is promoting.
‘Blessed’ sent Jung Chan-sung – commonly know as ‘The Korean Zombie’ – into retirement two years ago.
Max Holloway scored an epic faceplant knockout when they clashed in the main event of UFC Singapore in August 2023 – but he won new fans in South Korea by paying respect to the country’s greatest legend during his post-fight interview.
Watch Max Holloway get hero’s welcome in South Korea
Holloway was met at the airport by ‘The Korean Zombie’ who brought his former opponent some flowers.
The Hawaiian was also greeted by hundreds of fans who packed out the airport to get a glimpse of him.
Cameras flashed and people screamed as Holloway made an rockstar-like entrance into the country.
Holloway was caught off-guard by the ovation he received, and so were UFC fans who saw footage of it.
“That’s so awesome,” one fan said. While another added: “This is so dope.”
“Pure class from both. Legends being legends,” someone else commented.
“Wholesome,” a fourth fan added.
“You love to see it,” someone else said.
“INSANE,” one stunned X user wrote.
What’s next for Max Holloway?
Holloway hasn’t fought since being knocked out by Ilia Topuria in the second round of their featherweight title clash at UFC 308 last October.
Post-fight, the 33-year-old confirmed that he will be making a permanent move up to the 155lb division.
For weeks, rumors have been swirling about a BMF trilogy fight with lightweight legend Dustin Poirier.
News of Poirier vs Holloway 3 was first leaked last month. Still, there’s been no official announcement from the UFC about what ‘The Diamond’ insists will be the final fight of his MMA career.
Fans are impatiently waiting for UFC boss Dana White to make the highly anticipated fight official.
