“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.”