Issue 119

September 2014

Chan Sung Jung on taking shots, cashing checks, cooking up a storm and his beloved pet Shih Tzu.

If you could choose one fight from your career that every MMA fan should see, which fight would you choose and why? 

“My fight with Dustin Poirier, because it was probably my best all-round performance so far. I got to showcase my striking, grappling and my chin... A little bit of everything.”

With your exciting style and impressive finishes you’ve taken home your share of bonus checks, but what has been your most extravagant purchase?

“I save most of it, to be honest, so my biggest purchase was probably a car. It cost around $10,000 (£5,860). It’s very economical.” 

You are known as the ‘Korean Zombie’ due to your ability to take punishment and keep moving forward. Do you have any other zombie traits? 

“No, not really (laughs).” 

Who has hit you the hardest in a fight?

“The UFC fighter Tae Hyun Bang. He was the Deep champion, and probably the strongest puncher overall. We used to spar together and he had very heavy hands. During an actual fight, I’d have to say it would be Leonard Garcia (UFC Fight Night 24). He hit me pretty hard!”

If you weren’t a professional mixed martial artist what would you be doing for a living?

“I used to want to be a chef at one point. I had to decide between chasing a career as a fighter or as a chef. So, if I wasn’t fighting, I’d probably be cooking somewhere.”

You were reportedly paid just $20,000 (£11,728) for your championship fight against José Aldo. Do you think that’s fair for a world title fight and pay-per-view card headliner?

“All sports have different levels of pay, it’s not just the UFC. It’s just a matter of me getting more fights under my belt. The more fights I have, and the more I win, then the more I will get paid I am sure.”

Who are the people that inspire you most, personally and professionally?

“Personally, I would say my wife. I really don’t know how I would have managed running a gym and getting ready for a fight without her. She’s been great through this all. Professionally, there isn’t one specific person I can point to. So many fighters have inspired me in the past, and there are new fighters breaking through that push me to keep working hard today.”

Who are your favorite fighters to watch today? Conversely, who are your least favorite?

“I like watching some of the bad guys in the sport, like the Diaz brothers and Chael Sonnen. I like anyone who puts on exciting fights. I’m not a fan of boring fights, or fighters for that matter.” 

You recorded one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history with a seven-second KO over Mark Hominick (UFC 140). Did you even have to shower after that fight? 

“(Laughs) I don’t think I did. I didn’t really need to.”

In a previous interview with Fighters Only you described how you were bullied growing up which led you to martial arts. What advice do you have for kids getting bullied today?

“There are young kids that come to my gym that I just encourage to work hard and exercise. Eventually, they’ll feel themselves and start to grow stronger mentally and physically.”

What is the one thing the world would be surprised to learn about the Korean Zombie?

“I have a pet Shih Tzu. She is my baby (laughs).”