Discover why The Korean Zombie, Chan Sung Jung, decided to retire from mixed martial arts (MMA) after his knockout loss to Max Holloway. Read about his illustrious career, memorable fights, and the importance of prioritizing long-term health.
| The Korean Zombie faced Max Holloway in his final bout at UFC Singapore.
| After experiencing brain damage and realizing his weakened chin, Zombie decided to retire.
| Despite not capturing a UFC title, Zombie achieved significant victories and made history with a twister submission.
| His retirement decision was driven by the desire to prioritize long-term health and avoid further harm.
| The Korean Zombie’s legacy as a respected and talented athlete in the featherweight division will endure.
The Korean Zombie’s Retirement
Chan Sung Jung, also known as The Korean Zombie, recently opened up about his decision to retire from mixed martial arts (MMA) following his third-round knockout loss to Max Holloway. In a heartfelt interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Zombie shared his thoughts on the fight, his career, and the reasons behind his retirement.
Zombie’s Last Fight
The Korean Zombie faced off against former featherweight champion Max Holloway in his final bout at UFC Singapore. Despite his best efforts, Zombie suffered a devastating knockout just seconds into the third round. This loss marked the end of his career as he announced his retirement in an emotional scene that left fans and fellow fighters moved.
Reflecting on the Fight
During the interview, Zombie recalled every moment of the fight, from the punches he threw to the ones that hit him. He admitted that in the second round, he got dropped and was surprised by the punch that landed. This made him realize that he no longer had the same chin and had likely suffered brain damage over the years. Zombie emphasized the importance of recognizing when it’s time to retire and not risking further harm.
A Remarkable Career
Although Zombie never held a UFC title, he made a significant impact during his 12-year tenure with the promotion. He made history by executing the first twister submission in the Octagon and achieved victories against notable fighters such as Dustin Poirier, Frankie Edgar, and Dan Ige. Additionally, Zombie had the opportunity to challenge legendary fighters Jose Aldo and Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight championship.
Retirement Decision
Zombie’s decision to retire was driven by his realization that his chin had weakened and that he had experienced brain damage. He didn’t want to become a fighter who ignored the signs of aging and suffered further consequences. By retiring at that moment, Zombie prioritized his long-term health and well-being.
Looking Ahead
Although his fighting career has come to an end, The Korean Zombie’s legacy will live on in the MMA world. His exciting fighting style, memorable victories, and sportsmanship have left an indelible mark. Fans and fellow fighters will always remember him as one of the most respected and talented athletes in the featherweight division.
