Featherweight legend Chan Sung Jung more commonly known as “The Korean Zombie” has decided to call it a career after UFC Singapore. The 36-year-old fan-favorite fighter was up against former champion Max Holloway to headline the card. Despite going to toe to toe with Holloway, Zombie was outclassed in the fight.
The Hawaiian fighter managed to knockout Zombie in the third round via a huge right hand to win the fight by TKO. Despite the loss, the Singapore crowd vigorously cheered for Zombie as he announced his retirement. However, Jung felt a bit emotional as he could not achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a champion.
“I’m going to stop fighting, I mean I’ve always aimed to become a champion when I first started the sport not here to be ranked 3rd, 4th or 5th. I tried my absolute best to prepare for Max Holloway. I really really believed I could beat him but ended up failing. So I don’t think I have the opportunity anymore so I think I’m going to stop fighting from now,” said Zombie.
Even though Jung failed to become a champion, he surely managed to win the hearts of millions through his journey in the sport. The Korean Zombie gave fans thrilling fights inside the octagon and even Max Holloway confessed there are no Zombie haters.
Max Holloway happy with the Singapore crowd for not booing The Korean Zombie
After a wild exchange between the two, former featherweight champion Max Holloway knocked out the fan favorite The Korean Zombie. Holloway was coming into the bout with a lot on his mind due to the wildfires in Hawaii. He dedicated the win to his people in Maui and was very appreciative of the Singapore crowd for the cheers.
Blessed was also happy that his opponent Chan Sung Jung was not booed after being dropped in the Octagon. Holloway revealed that many times his opponents won’t receive cheers from the crowd after their loss. However, that was not the case with the crowd in Singapore as they equally showered their love on both opponents.
“Whenever I fight I hear people cheer for me and not really my opponent and they usually boo the other guy. But one exchange they’re like Zombie, Zombie and I’m like this is sick in my mind. When I do a good exchange they’re like Holloway, Holloway, so I was like this is a cool bunch of people we’re fighting in front of,” said Max.
With UFC Singapore wrapped up, The Korean Zombie has retired from the sport of MMA. Meanwhile, Max Holloway’s next move is uncertain as he’s lost to the champion three times now. Will Max Holloway move up a weight class or fight Alexander Volkanovski again? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.