Korean Zombie Builds Z-Fight Night After UFC Retirement
Chan Sung Jung retired from UFC competition after Max Holloway stopped him in August 2023. He later built Z-Fight Night (ZFN). His own comments and the promotion’s growth add important context to the comeback speculation.
Jung’s UFC Retirement
Jung announced his retirement after Max Holloway stopped him by third-round knockout in Singapore on August 26, 2023. His last UFC bout remains that loss; the Korean Zombie’s official UFC record is 17-8. The retirement announcement followed an emotional post-fight interview, though Jung has since acknowledged that he still misses competing. UFC’s event report records the knockout and its retirement tribute covers his announcement.
What He Has Said About Fighting Again
In a December 2024 interview, Jung said he did not think he would return to MMA, while leaving open the possibility of a boxing or grappling match. He described watching fellow fighter Doo Ho Choi compete from the corner and feeling the pull to fight again, but did not announce a comeback. As of October 14, 2026, no return bout has been announced. MMA Fighting reported his comments.
Building Z-Fight Night
Since retiring, Jung has focused on Z-Fight Night, the South Korean promotion he founded to develop local and regional talent. ZFN events have been streamed internationally on UFC Fight Pass. In 2026, the promotion held ZFN 04: Blood Moon in Seoul on May 9 and Origin 05 on August 22. Jung’s current role keeps him close to competition as a promoter and coach, without confirming a return to the cage. See ZFN’s official event page and the event record.
Jung’s later comments make the distinction clearer: he misses fighting, but has said he does not expect to return to MMA. For now, his work is centered on growing ZFN and supporting the next generation of Korean fighters.
