{
  "id": 3432951,
  "title": "‘Indian Rhino’ Chungreng Koren finds his way back with UFC contract within reach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/indian-rhino-chungreng-koren-finds-his-way-back-with-ufc-contract",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T04:58:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/mma/news/the-indian-rhino-chungreng-koren-finds-his-way-back-with-a-ufc-contract-within-reach/articleshow/133529793.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chungreng Koren, a bantamweight fighter, is set to face Japan's Ryo Tajima in the semifinal of the Road to UFC Season 5 tournament in Shanghai on August 28. After the previous fight, Koren's camp changed significantly, with the fighter taking three months off to rest and focus on his training. Koren also returned to healthy eating and stricter discipline, which helped him drop from 71 kg to 66-67 kg. While facing Tajima poses a challenge, Koren believes his improved striking and takedown skills will give him the edge. A win against Tajima would put Koren one fight away from securing the UFC contract he has been striving for, but he remains focused on the task at hand, stating, \"Only one thing at this time. Tajima.\"",
  "summary": "Chungreng Koren thought his UFC dream had slipped away twice. Now, after rebuilding himself following the loss to Rabindra Dhant and submitting an unbeaten opponent in the Road to UFC quarterfinals, the Manipuri fighter is one win from the tournament final. But as Koren prepares for Japan’s Ryo Tajima in Shanghai, the opportunity carries a different kind of pressure - he is no longer fighting…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}