“I’m done,” says Chung as he retires from the UFC for the last time
After giving it his all, “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung, 36, has announced his retirement.
Chung was knocked out just 23 seconds into the third round of their featherweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Korean Zombie at Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday.
Chung engaged Holloway in the first round. Holloway kept his distance and played it cautiously as Chung began pressuring his opponent with his jab.
In the second round, the momentum shifted further in Holloway’s favor. Holloway’s surprise straight dropped Chung early in the second round and put him in a groggy state. Chung mentally withstood the ensuing pressure from Holloway and managed to get back to his feet and hear the buzzer to end the second round.
However, time was running out for Chung. Trying to overcome the deficit, Chung went on the offensive at the start of the third round, but in a flurry of punches, he took a crucial punch to the face that sent him crashing to the floor.
After the fight, Holloway hugged and comforted Chung, and in the press conference that followed, he said, “I’m done. I thought I was going to cry, but I don’t have any tears. I’m quitting because I want to be a champion. I sincerely thought I could beat Holloway,” and “I prepared without regret. I don’t fight to be third, fourth, or fifth. I’m trying to be a champion, and if I can’t beat the top guys, I think it’s time to stop,” he said, officially announcing his retirement.
After making his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at the Super Sambo Festival in 2007, Chung competed in promotions such as KOREA FC, DEEP, and the WEC before making his debut on the world’s biggest stage at UFC Fight Night 24 in March 2011. 메이저사이트
His unique grit has earned him the colorful moniker “Korean Zombie. After a three-fight winning streak in the UFC, Chung earned a shot at the championship in August 2013 and gained a wider fan base with his performance against Jose Aldo (4R TKO loss).
After a three-and-a-half year hiatus due to military service, Chung returned to the Octagon in 2017 and has since fought Frankie Edgar, Brian Ortega, and a featherweight title shot against Alexander Volkanovski in April of last year, losing via TKO.
With a record of 25-17-8 in mixed martial arts, he remains the first and only Korean fighter to compete in two UFC title fights.