Just because “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung is retired from fighting doesn’t mean he’s any less busy these days.
After calling it a career in 2023, the now 37-year-old former featherweight title contender launched his own promotion in his native South Korea while still training and coaching fighters like fellow UFC veteran Doo Ho Choi. On Saturday, Jung’s Z Fight Night has its second show scheduled with UFC CEO Dana White originally scheduled to attend for his Lookin’ for a Fight series where he scouts prospects to potentially sign to a contract with the organization.
Unfortunately political unrest in South Korea led to White announcing that he wouldn’t be able to attend the event but he still planned to show his support through live streaming.
“I tried to persuade him until the very end, but it didn’t work out,” Jung told MMA Fighting about efforts to get White to attend. “He was supposed fly in with his private jet for the trip and booked a hotel room worth tens of thousands of dollars for a week. That level of commitment from him is more than enough for me.
“Everyone knows how important he is globally, and his security team had their fair share of concerns. So I totally understand his team’s decision. I’m just grateful that he’s still putting so much thought and effort into supporting this event.”
While he’s managed the transition from fighter to promoter, Jung admits he never really thought about launching his own organization while he was still active in his career.
Now as he approaches his second card, “The Korean Zombie” has found a real passion for the work, which keeps him close to the sport he loves but without absorbing nearly as much damage.
“After retiring, I was looking for something exciting to do, and running a promotion was one of the options I kind of had in mind,” Jung explained. “After having UFC Fight Pass officially on board for my promotion, I realized that this could be a great opportunity to contribute to the growth of Asian and Korean MMA. To be honest, I never wanted to run a promotion when I was actively fighting. Dealing with people is always challenging, and fighters can be especially tough to manage. But I figured if I used my fighting career and spoke to fighters from the heart, they’d trust me and follow my lead. That’s what convinced me to do it.
“It’s been fun so far. Having UFC and Dana White supporting me has been a huge help. Of course, I worry about a lot of things, but it reminds me of when I first started fighting and building my career. Thinking about how Z-Fight Night will grow by the time we hit our 10th event keeps me motivated and excited.”
The latest card features Dorobshokh Nabotov, who got his opportunity at Z-Fight Night after he pitched himself to White as a prospect the promotion should sign during fight week at UFC 309 in Abu Dhabi. The bold move paid off with Nabotov being offered a slot on Jung’s event with White planning to watch and assess if the undefeated lightweight deserves a roster spot.
While he’s got 12 fights to worry about on Saturday, Jung admits he’s going to keep a close eye on Nabatov just the same as White to see if he can back up his bold claim about being ready for the UFC.
“I watched a lot of his fights to find the right opponent for him, and I believe he has what it takes to survive in the UFC,” Jung said. “I wanted to find him an opponent that is also UFC caliber, and that’s how we landed on Matheus Camillo—he’s a young striker with a dangerous style. It’ll be a fun fight to watch.”
With the promotion and coaching taking up most of his time these days, Jung still rarely escapes questions about his retirement and whether he’s reconsidered plans to potentially fight again.
He admits it’s not been easy to just walk away without constantly thinking about a comeback.
“I miss it all the time,” Jung said. “Recently, I was in Doo Ho Choi’s corner for his fight, and the whole time I was thinking, Man, I want to get back in there too. I think that’s just how it is when you’re a fighter—it’s in your blood for life.”
Just because he misses it doesn’t mean Jung is making the call to return to the UFC but his combat sports career isn’t necessarily at an end either.
“I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think I’d come back to MMA,” Jung revealed. “I’ve always been open to boxing or grappling matches, though. It’d be cool to make something happen at a Z-Fight Night event someday. Who knows?”
