Issue 189

April 2020

"The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung looks back at five of his most pivotal fights – either side of his military service – including THAT final-second defeat to Yair Rodriguez.

1. Frankie Edgar, UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Korean Zombie

With this fight, I realized that I am capable of becoming a UFC champion. Putting pressure on Frankie was what I had planned on doing after blocking his attempted takedown. I know that Frankie normally doesn’t attempt a second takedown if he fails to do it early on during the fight. So, since he failed taking me down once, I knew he would resort to punching and I prepared myself with a counter punch. This was one of the game plans thought of by my coach, Eddie Cha, whom I am very thankful for. Frankie is loved by everyone who is a fan of the UFC. He is known as one of the most legendary UFC lightweight fighters to date. I take pride in my victory and feel very honored that I was able to fight with the legend himself.

2. Yair Rodgriguez, UFC Fight Night: Korean Zombie vs. Rodriguez

I fought Rodriguez without any strategic plans, which led me to lose the fight with only one second left. It has to be fate though, because losing allowed me to walk into Fight Ready and meet coach Eddie Cha. If I had won that fight, I would most likely be training myself at this time.

3. Dennis Bermudez, UFC Fight Night: Bermudez vs. Korean Zombie

After my mandatory military service in Korea, it took me 36 months to come back to the cage. My fight with Bermudez was the first since my hiatus, and given the opportunity to fight with such a fighter gave me the confidence boost I needed at that time in my career.

4. George Roop, WEC 51

This was the fight when I was knocked out for the first time in my life. At that moment, I realized that the MMA is not a just fight but a sport. After this loss, I went to the United States and started to learn more about different MMA skills.

5. Leonard Garcia, WEC 48

This fight was one of the first fights that helped get my name, “The Korean Zombie,” known all over the world. I don’t think I would be where I am today if I hadn’t had this fight.