From Redemption to the Octagon: Chungreng Koren Poised for Road to UFC Breakthrough
Chungreng Koren is a man transformed. Heading into the Road to UFC Season 5 bantamweight semifinal against Japan’s Ryo Tajima on August 28 in Shanghai, the Indian fighter cuts a figure of heightened focus, physical discipline, and renewed purpose.
For Koren, the journey to this stage has been anything but linear. When he arrived in Macau for the opening round in May, he stepped in as a late-notice replacement after initially being relegated to a backup role. Despite the chaotic preparation and a difficult weight cut that saw him miss his mark, Koren delivered a statement performance, finishing the previously unbeaten Ryuho Miyaguchi with a rear-naked choke in the second round.
A New Chapter of Discipline
Reflecting on his previous outing, Koren is candid about the toll his past struggles took on him. Following a heart-wrenching loss of his Matrix Fight Night (MFN) bantamweight title to Nepal’s Rabindra Dhant in 2025, Koren battled a period of depression that eroded both his training regimen and his dietary discipline.
“I lost my mind,” Koren admitted in an interview with the Times of India. “I didn’t go out of my house. I used to eat whatever I wanted. Because of this, my mental and physical condition went down. If we want to fight, we have to be disciplined.”
Having corrected those habits, the difference in his current camp is stark. By focusing on consistent, healthy living and specialized training in Dagestan and Phuket, Koren has successfully shed excess weight and sharpened his technical arsenal, particularly his striking.
The Challenge of Ryo Tajima
Standing between Koren and a coveted spot in the Road to UFC final is Ryo Tajima, an experienced campaigner with an 11-3 record. Koren acknowledges that the Japanese fighter presents a significant hurdle, noting Tajima’s superior reach and tactical pressure. However, Koren has a clear path to victory: leveraging his wrestling expertise.
“I think my biggest advantage against him will be my takedown,” Koren said, signaling that while his striking has evolved, his foundation in ground combat remains his greatest asset.
Fighting for More Than a Contract
Beyond the professional milestone of a potential UFC contract, Koren carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders. He views his performance not just as an individual quest, but as a critical contribution to the growth of MMA in India. He argues that for the sport to flourish domestically, there is a desperate need for more consistent, professional-level tournament structures.
“I am fighting for my country,” Koren noted. “There are a lot of risks. If I lose, there will be 100 people to troll me.”
Despite the pressure, Koren remains firmly rooted in the present. While a high-profile rematch with his rival Rabindra Dhant—who is on the other side of the tournament bracket—is a tantalizing possibility for fans, Koren refuses to look past August 28.
“Only one thing at this time,” he says firmly. “Tajima.”
How to Watch:
Catch the Road to UFC Season 5 semifinals, featuring the clash between Chungreng Koren and Ryo Tajima, live on August 28, 2026, starting at 2:30 PM IST. The event will be broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 1 (SD & HD), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada), and available to stream on Sony LIV.
