Chan Sung Jung

BIOGRAPHY

Chan Sung Jung, also known as “The Korean Zombie,” is a South Korean mixed martial artist and boxer who currently competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Born on March 17, 1987 in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea to parents of lower-middle class background he was raised by his mother after his father died when he was only seven years old. His early ambitions were to become a professional soccer player but due to lack of resources and physical condition he focused his attention instead on martial arts which had been an ongoing interest.

At the age of 18 Chan Sung Jung began training at the Taekwondo gym run by Moo Won Sik where he first developed an interest in MMA following his transition from Taekwondo. With no formal martial arts instruction beyond that provided by Moo Won Sik, Jung became self-taught and largely relied on practice against opponents including those with more experience than himself for improvement. By 2006 Chan Sung Jung had made enough progress to compete professionally in fights held around Korea’s capital city Seoul. He quickly established himself as one of the top lightweights in the region before signing with WEC (now UFC) late 2009 at just 22 years old making him one of their youngest competitors ever signed up until then.

His debut fight took place at WEC 48 where he fought Leonard Garcia resulting into a draw decision due largely credited to independent judges’ score cards being influenced by boisterous crowd support for Garcia who was favored that night due to having been born near Sacramento California – hometown venue for WEC 48 event; however subsequent review revealed that The Korean Zombie actually won majority rounds further confirming Chan’s skill level & career potential driving point total differential between two fighters within split decision range thus awarding tie result officially recognized since both fighters evened out point totals across all rounds combined while ending match – leaving both undefeated & initiating unprecedented rivalry between them continuing through multiple rematches over next 5+ years.
Chan continued competing well throughout 2010s earning multiple awards/accolades along way; most notably becoming 1st Asian fighter ever win submission fight via twister technique vs Leonard Garcia during rematch @ TUF 12 Finale Event followed shortly thereafter winning ‘Fight Night Bonus” award during 2nd face off vs same opponent @ UFC Fight Night 24 – 2011 (subsequently dubbed “The Twister Fight”). Other notable achievements include defeating world renowned Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt Mark Hominick via KO round 7 during title defense bout @ UFC 140 Toronto Dec 2011 amongst other noteworthy victories such as pulling off stunning 15 second comeback knockout win against Dennis Bermudez @ FOX Sports 1 Jan 2014 event thus solidifying nickname coined earlier as “Korean Zombie”.
Injuries impacting neck/back led him take voluntary 3½ year hiatus from sport beginning late 2013 which would have lasted much longer but medical treatment eventually allowed him make successful return 2017 culminating current contract extension allowing him continue competing through end 2021 season while tracking toward another possible title shot based recent performance levels despite advancing age pushing looming retirement potentially closer future yet still uncertain whether or not will be able achieve ultimate goal before bowing out sport officially so time tell…