Chan Sung Jung is a Korean professional mixed martial artist. The fighter has competed in various MMA promotions around the world. However, most fans globally know him as ‘The Korean Zombie’ instead of his actual name, Chan Sung Jung.

The UFC/WEC veteran fighter has come a long way from his days, competing and dominating the sport on the regional scene. So, what has made him such a good fighter?

The Korean Zombie (Chan Sung Jung) is trained in kickboxing, judo, and Brazilian Jiujitsu

The Pohang native started early in traditional Korean martial arts. The story behind his involvement in MMA is not too pleasant, but the final product is fruitful.

The Korean Zombie is a third-degree black belt in Hapkido, which is a special form of martial arts in Korea. Apart from the traditional martial arts, he is a black belt in BJJ and a black belt in judo. He is also, a black belt in Taekwondo and is a good kickboxer which attributes to his excellent striking.

During his days fighting in Japan, he also practiced Aikido. Forming a balance between Hapkido, the aggressive style, and Aikido, relatively calmer, ‘The Korean Zombie’ has mastered multiple striking skills.

The Korean Zombie joined the South Korean Navy at 18

The veteran fighter with his martial arts skills joined the South Korean Navy when he was only 18. His second-degree Taekwondo skills came from his days in the Navy.

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The Korean Zombie also competed and won the Super Sambo tournaments organized by KSA (Korean Sambo Association).

The Korean Zombie’s first MMA fight was in 2008, KOREA-FC’s 8 man

In August 2008, The Korean Zombie competed in Japan-Korea Friendship International Martial Arts Tournament GRADIATOR. He won a 3-0 decision.

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Earlier, in the 65 kg weight division, he won the Korean FC tournament. It was an eight-man tournament.

Early and Professional MMA career of The Korean Zombie

The Korean Zombie won Pancrase KOREA Neo Blood Tournament early in his MMA career (2007). The next year he had a few fights in Japan under promotions like DEEP. Zombie had quite a run in Japan and become a popular entity.

Chan Sung Jung also fought in Sengoku in 2009 and took part in the promotions Grand Prix in the featherweight division.

When Sung Jung came to American soil, he signed a six-fight deal with WEC, which was the biggest promotion at the time for the lower-weight division fighters. With his controversial losing effort, in a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate, Sung Jung showed in his debut fight in the WEC why he is called ‘The Korean Zombie.’

After his WEC days, he joined UFC and had splendid success. From securing the first Twister in the promotion’s history to submitting Dustin Poirier, Zombie showed he was a world-class fighter. However, in the featherweight title bout against the great Jose Aldo, Zombie tore off his shoulder and lost the bout. Thus, coming short of what would have been a monumental victory for Asian MMA.

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After his loss to Jose Aldo, Zombie took a break from fighting to serve his military duties back in his home country.

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Even after his return to the Octagon, Zombie found similar success, eventually fighting at the UFC 273 for the undisputed UFC featherweight championship.