“The Korean Zombie” admits it. Like so many different fighters, he nonetheless has the itch.
The distinction, nonetheless, between Chan Sung Jung and so lots of the fighters who’ve U-turned on their determination to retire is the extra avenues he’s paved for himself to stay motivated within the area –with out taking a punch.
“Retirement hasn’t slowed me down in any respect. If something, I’m busier now,” Jung advised MMA Junkie by way of an interpreter. “I handle my three children, personal a YouTube channel and a gymnasium, coach greater than 20 fighters, function a beer pub referred to as Metropolis Beer, and in addition started operating a promotion referred to as Z Battle Evening (ZFN). Whereas most individuals relaxation after retiring, fighters keep younger. Actually, if I didn’t have a lot to do, I won’t have retired in any respect. I’m grateful to have all these items to maintain me going.”
Jung, 37, retired with a 17-8 skilled file after a knockout loss to Max Holloway in August 2023. In true “Korean Zombie” style, he went out swinging. Crammed to the brink with coronary heart and willpower, “Zombie” entered the firefight with the Hawaiian and paid for it.
However it turned evident after he laid his gloves down that despite the fact that he by no means received a title, he was a champion within the eyes of so many. As he exited the cage and his signature walkout of “Zombie” by The Cranberries performed, these in attendance in Singapore sang alongside. It was an emotional second for all, significantly Jung.
Regardless of going out on a loss, Jung has saved his comeback ideas at bay.
“I’ve seen so many fighters come out of retirement, and whereas I didn’t actually perceive it earlier than, now I completely get it,” Jung mentioned. “Most fighters genuinely imagine they’re one of the best on the earth. They spend their whole lives attempting to show it, so it’s fairly troublesome to all of a sudden be carried out and are available to phrases with the truth that you’ll by no means be “one of the best” once more. I really feel it too. There are moments after I inform myself that age doesn’t matter. However Dana has made it clear he’s one hundred pc in opposition to me coming again. And truthfully, I perceive. Fighters who retire on an amazing stage, like I did, are an vital a part of UFC historical past.”
Z Battle Evening success
A nationwide movie star in South Korea, it’s no shock Jung’s launch of Z Battle Evening has been a smashing success. The promotion debuted in June with a UFC Battle Move deal in tact.
The second card is scheduled for Dec. 14 in Goyang with elevated stakes. UFC CEO Dana White shall be in attendance scouting expertise for an episode of “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Battle.”
“That is going to be the most important MMA occasion in Korea since UFC Seoul and UFC Busan,” Jung mentioned. “I’m actually hoping this can produce a UFC fighter from ZFN and enhance the recognition of MMA in Korea.”
Whereas the struggle card remains to be being revealed, some scorching prospects have already been introduced – most notably a bout between Dorobshokh Nabotov (8-0), a fighter who requested White for a shot throughout a UFC Q&A in Abu Dhabi, and rising Xtreme Couture product Matheus Camilo (8-2)
The occasion will convey consideration Jung thinks may elevate the model recognition to the following stage. His short-term objectives are measured, however his long-term objectives are bold.
“For now, my objective is to create an amazing promotion for Korean and Asian fighters, however finally, I would like ZFN to be acknowledged globally,” Jung mentioned.
“I’m taking it one step at a time, staying affected person, and doing issues the proper means. I really imagine we’re heading in a very good course. When that occurs, the outcomes will naturally observe.”
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