Chan Sung Jung, famously known as “The Korean Zombie,” has stepped away from competitive fighting, yet he is far from being inactive. Unlike many athletes who struggle with the transition from the octagon to retirement, Jung has flourished in his new roles. Following his knockout defeat to Max Holloway in August 2023, it may seem like an end of an era for the fighter, but Jung’s story has only begun to unfold in exciting ways. At the age of 37, he is navigating this transformative chapter with palpable enthusiasm and a variety of pursuits that keep him active both mentally and physically.
In conversations about retirement, Jung has expressed that stepping down from fighting has only intensified his busyness. “Retirement hasn’t slowed me down; if anything, I’m busier now,” he told MMA Junkie through an interpreter. His list of ventures reads like the itinerary of a bustling entrepreneur: parenting three kids, hosting a YouTube channel, running a gym, coaching over 20 fighters, owning a bar, and launching Z Fight Night. These activities offer Jung a rich tapestry of engagement that is often absent from many athletes’ lives after retirement, who may find themselves at a loss for purpose.
After hanging up his gloves, Jung has made a remarkable pivot towards becoming a mentor and promoter in the mixed martial arts community. His latest endeavor, Z Fight Night, launched with a partnership involving UFC Fight Pass, promising to elevate the standard of MMA within South Korea. Jung’s influence extends beyond the realm of personal legacy; he actively shapes the future of the sport locally. His promotion is not just a platform for fighters; it embodies his ambition to uplift and cultivate talent in a country with a burgeoning fighting prowess.
With the highly anticipated second card scheduled for December 14 in Goyang, Jung’s dedication to maximizing this opportunity is evident. He has already drawn eyes from the UFC’s higher-ups, such as Dana White, who will scout for promising fighters during the event. “This is going to be the biggest MMA event in Korea since UFC Seoul and UFC Busan,” Jung stated. This commitment not only demonstrates Jung’s desire to bolster MMA’s reputation domestically, but it also signals a pivotal moment for budding talent who have long sought the exposure necessary to break into the UFC.
Despite his new ventures, Jung has candidly admitted that the temptation to return to the octagon is a lingering thought. The allure of competition is a siren call familiar to many fighters who struggle to close the chapter on a beloved career. “I’ve seen so many fighters come out of retirement, and while I didn’t really understand it before, now I totally get it,” he said. This perspective underscores a universal truth among competitors: the drive to prove oneself and the difficulty of relinquishing the idea of being at the top.
However, Jung has also recognized the wisdom in his decision to retire. He acknowledges the monumental pressures and the emotional turmoil that can accompany retired fighters as they grapple with their legacy. “Fighters who retire on a great stage, like I did, are an important part of UFC history,” he asserted, emphasizing his conviction in savoring his storied career while embarking on this new journey.
Jung’s ambition does not stop with Z Fight Night alone. His long-term vision aims for global recognition, something not often achievable for new promotions. Through careful planning and his innate understanding of the sport, he aims to build ZFN into a reputable organization that not only showcases Korean and Asian fighters but expands its footprint internationally. This aspiration requires both time and patience, but Jung’s experiences as a fighter teach him the value of such dedication.
As he ventures further into promotion, Jung embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptability. Chan Sung Jung is more than just a fighter; he is evolving into a pivotal figure in the MMA landscape. By focusing on the developmental needs of young fighters and building enriching platforms, he’s poised to contribute significantly to the sport that shaped him. Thus, while the Korean Zombie may have taken off his fighting gloves for good, in many ways, he is just getting started.