“The Korean Zombie” admits it. Like so many other fighters, he still has the itch.
The difference, however, between Chan Sung Jung and so many of the fighters who have U-turned on their decision to retire is the additional avenues he’s paved for himself to remain motivated in the space –without taking a punch.
“Retirement hasn’t slowed me down at all. If anything, I’m busier now,” Jung told MMA Junkie through an interpreter. “I take care of my three kids, own a YouTube channel and a gym, coach more than 20 fighters, operate a beer pub called City Beer, and also began running a promotion called Z Fight Night (ZFN). While most people rest after retiring, fighters stay young. Honestly, if I didn’t have so much to do, I might not have retired at all. I’m grateful to have all these things to keep me going.”
Jung, 37, retired with a 17-8 professional record after a knockout loss to Max Holloway in August 2023. In true “Korean Zombie” fashion, he went out swinging. Filled to the brink with heart and determination, “Zombie” entered the firefight with the Hawaiian and paid for it.
But it became evident after he laid his gloves down that even though he never won a title, he was a champion in the eyes of so many. As he exited the cage and his signature walkout of “Zombie” by The Cranberries played, those in attendance in Singapore sang along. It was an emotional moment for all, particularly Jung.
Despite going out on a loss, Jung has kept his comeback thoughts at bay.
“I’ve seen so many fighters come out of retirement, and while I didn’t really understand it before, now I totally get it,” Jung said. “Most fighters genuinely believe they’re the best in the world. They spend their entire lives trying to prove it, so it’s pretty difficult to suddenly be done and come to terms with the fact that you’ll never be “the best” again. I feel it too. There are moments when I tell myself that age doesn’t matter. But Dana has made it clear he’s 100 percent against me coming back. And honestly, I understand. Fighters who retire on a great stage, like I did, are an important part of UFC history.”
Z Fight Night success
A national celebrity in South Korea, it’s no surprise Jung’s launch of Z Fight Night has been a smashing success. The promotion debuted in June with a UFC Fight Pass deal in tact.
The second card is scheduled for Dec. 14 in Goyang with elevated stakes. UFC CEO Dana White will be in attendance scouting talent for an episode of “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.”
“This is going to be the biggest MMA event in Korea since UFC Seoul and UFC Busan,” Jung said. “I’m really hoping this will produce a UFC fighter from ZFN and increase the popularity of MMA in Korea.”
While the fight card is still being revealed, some hot prospects have already been announced – most notably a bout between Dorobshokh Nabotov (8-0), a fighter who asked White for a shot during a UFC Q&A in Abu Dhabi, and rising Xtreme Couture product Matheus Camilo (8-2)
The event will bring attention Jung thinks could elevate the brand recognition to the next level. His short-term goals are measured, but his long-term goals are ambitious.
“For now, my goal is to create a great promotion for Korean and Asian fighters, but eventually, I want ZFN to be recognized globally,” Jung said.
“I’m taking it one step at a time, staying patient, and doing things the right way. I truly believe we’re heading in a good direction. When that happens, the results will naturally follow.”
