“The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung

“The Korean Zombie” Chan sung Jung, born on March 17, 1987, is a South Korean professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer.

He currently competes in the Featherweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

A professional competitor since 2007, Jung has also formerly competed for the WEC, Pancrase, World Victory Road, and DEEP.

His nickname, “The Korean Zombie” comes from his zombie-like ability to continue to move forward and fight aggressively, even after taking heavy blows.

As of April 26, 2021, he is #4 in the UFC featherweight rankings.

UFC Profile – The Korean Zombie – UFC Career

Korean Zombie vs. Garcia

A rematch with Leonard Garcia was scheduled for March 26, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 24, after Jung stepped in to replace an injured Nam Phan.

Jung was able to debut avenging the original loss after submitting Garcia with a twister in the final second of the second round.

This was the first time in the history of the UFC that a twister submission finished an opponent and the win earned Jung his first Submission of the Night honors.

This was later awarded for the Submission of the Year by the World MMA Awards.

In his post-fight interview, Jung stated he learned the move by watching Eddie Bravo videos on YouTube.

Korean Zombie vs. Hominick

Jung faced former title challenger Mark Hominick on December 10, 2011, at UFC 140.

Jung won the bout via KO at seven seconds of the first round, which tied a UFC record for the fastest knockout at the time.

Jung’s victory over Mark Hominick earned him Knockout of the Night honors.

The victory also earned Jung much praise in his native South Korea, appearing on news broadcasts on the country’s major national television channels (such as KBS).

Korean Zombie vs. Poirier

Jung faced Dustin Poirier on May 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier.

Jung defeated Poirier via submission in the fourth round.

The performance earned Jung the Submission of the Night and both participants Fight of the Night honors.

The bout was honored as Fight of the Year and Submission of the Year by several publications after 2012.

Korean Zombie vs. Aldo

Jung should face Ricardo Lamas on July 6, 2013, at UFC 162.

However, on June 14, it was announced that Jung had been pulled from the Lamas bout and would replace an injured Anthony Pettis to face José Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship on August 3, 2013, at UFC 163.

Aldo defeated Jung via fourth-round TKO, finishing Jung with a flurry of strikes after Jung suffered a dislocated shoulder while throwing an overhand right.

Hiatus and Mandatory Military Service

Jung announced in mid-October 2014 his intention to begin his stint for mandatory military service in his home country of South Korea. While Jung did not comment about the future upon his completion, his manager indicated that he would return to mixed martial arts at the end of the two years.

Korean Zombie vs. Bermudez

Jung faced Dennis Bermudez on February 4, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 104.

He won the fight by knockout in the first round.

The win also won Jung his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

Korean Zombie vs. Rodriguez

Jung should face Frankie Edgar on November 10, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 139.

However, it was reported on October 26, 2018, that Edgar was pulled from the bout due to injury and he was replaced by Yair Rodríguez.

He lost the fight via knockout in the final second of the fifth round.

Both participants received Fight of the Night honors.

Korean Zombie vs. Moicano

Jung faced Renato Moicano on June 22, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 12.

He won the fight via technical knockout in 58 seconds of the first round.

This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award

Korean Zombie vs. Edgar

Jung had to face Brian Ortega on December 21, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 23.

However, Ortega couldn’t fight in early December citing a knee injury. Frankie Edgar took his place.

Jung won the fight via TKO in the first round.

The win also earned Jung a Performance of the Night bonus award.

Korean Zombie vs. Ortega

The bout against Brian Ortega was on October 18, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 180.

He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Korean Zombie vs. Ige

Jung faced Dan Ige on June 19, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 25.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.