Chan Sung Jung, known to the world as “The Korean Zombie,” has officially stepped away from the cage but refuses to fade into obscurity. At 37 years old and with a professional record of 17 wins and 8 losses, Jung’s retirement in August 2023 marked the end of an illustrious career that showcased his heart and determination through every punishing bout. Yet, his departure from fighting does not signify a retreat but rather a transformation. Instead of standing idle in retirement, Jung has found new avenues to channel his passion and skills.
In a candid conversation with MMA Junkie, Jung divulged the multitude of roles he’s embraced since his retirement. He has taken on the responsibilities of a father to three children, managing a YouTube channel, and coaching more than 20 fighters. Additionally, he has ventured into the hospitality industry by owning a beer pub called City Beer while also launching a new promotional company named Z Fight Night. These pursuits keep him vibrant and engaged, reinforcing his assertion that retirement has only heightened his busyness. “I’m grateful to have all these things to keep me going,” he states, revealing how his innate drive continues to shape his post-fighting life.
A Lasting Legacy Inside and Outside the Cage
Despite his farewell fight ending in a knockout loss to Max Holloway, Jung’s departure from the UFC was met with overwhelming respect and adoration from fans. The emotion of the moment encapsulated not just a career but a legacy filled with unforgettable battles. As his signature walkout song, “Zombie” by The Cranberries, played, the crowd joined in unison, a testament to the profound impact he made in the sport and the lives he touched during his career.
More than merely a fighter, Jung connects deeply with the ethos of competition—his desire to prove himself often mirrored that of other athletes who find it difficult to refrain from the lure of returning to the ring. In his words, he reflects on the common struggle fighters face: “Most fighters genuinely believe they’re the best in the world… it’s pretty difficult to suddenly be done and come to terms with the fact that you’ll never be ‘the best’ again.” While he too experiences moments of longing for the fight, he acknowledges Dana White’s advice against a comeback, evidencing a maturity associated with his experience.
Launching Z Fight Night: Building the Future of MMA in Korea
Armed with his celebrity status, Jung has turned his attention to building an exciting new platform for up-and-coming fighters in Asia with Z Fight Night. The promotion launched to significant enthusiasm in June with the backing of UFC Fight Pass, signaling a promising start. As the second event approaches on December 14, set in Goyang, Jung’s ambition is palpable. With UFC CEO Dana White planning to attend, the stakes are particularly high.
“This is going to be the biggest MMA event in Korea since UFC Seoul and UFC Busan,” he asserts, brimming with anticipation about the implications for the sport. The upcoming card, still in its announcement phase, has already garnered attention with notable matchups, including a potential showdown between Dorobshokh Nabotov and Matheus Camilo, both promising fighters seeking to make their mark on the sport.
Jung’s vision for Z Fight Night goes far beyond simple objectives; he dreams of elevating MMA’s status in Korea on a global scale. “For now, my goal is to create a great promotion for Korean and Asian fighters, but eventually, I want ZFN to be recognized globally,” he shares, outlining an ambitious pursuit fueled by patience and commitment. He understands that success in the promotional realm necessitates a diligent approach, confirming his belief that they’re progressing in the right direction.
As Chan Sung Jung embarks on this new chapter in his life, transcending the limitations often imposed by retirement from competition, he proves that an athlete’s legacy can endure through various channels of influence. Channeling his passion for the sport into coaching, promoting, and building a community for fighters, he remains an unwavering figure in the MMA landscape. His story is not just that of a fighter; it is about evolution, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in new arenas. The Korean Zombie is more than a nickname—it embodies the spirit of perseverance, a lesson that transcends the ring and into life itself as Jung pursues his broader goals in the world of mixed martial arts.