'Korean Zombie' eyes UFC comeback next year at home

By Joo Kyung-don SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Jung Chan-sung is better known as the "Korean Zombie," a nickname that highlights his aggressiveness and determination to keep battling even if he takes heavy blows. The zombie is eager to wake up and return to the place he belongs: not some creepy graveyard, but the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Octagon. Jung has been out of the UFC, the world's largest MMA promotion, for more than two years for his mandatory military service. But he is now preparing for a comeback after his duty ends on Oct. 19. "I expect the UFC to have an event in South Korea early next year," Jung said in an interview Wednesday. "I wish to have a bout in that time." Jung had only four bouts at the UFC, but already left his mark before leaving the octagonal-shaped cage in 2014 for his mandatory military service. He is the first fighter in UFC history to end a bout with a "twister" submission technique and holds the record for the second-fastest knockout in the American MMA organization at seven seconds. Jung also became the first South Korean to have a title match at the UFC, when he faced then-featherweight champion Jose Aldo in August 2013. He lost in a technical knockout after suffering a dislocated right shoulder. That was also his last match at the UFC before being conscripted. Because of the shoulder injury, Jung was enlisted as a "social service member," and therefore can complete his military service by carrying out non-combat duties at public offices or organizations. During his service period, the mixed martial artist can't do any commercial activities, though he can commute from his house and work five days a week for his public service. Jung is currently working at the Seocho-gu Office in Seoul as a sports facility maintenance worker from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. He also helps the district office's efforts to promote its public campaigns and cultural events. "I don't see this public service having a negative impact on my career," Jung said Wednesday. "People worry that I will lose my sense of the game, but I won't. It actually serves as a good opportunity to think more about the MMA fighting." The 29-year-old said he goes straight to his gym after the end of his workday, but hasn't been training properly because he has been rehabbing his right shoulder while also taking care of his newborn babies. But as his discharge is approaching, the fighter, whose overall professional MMA record stands at 13 wins and four losses, said he will start preparing for the Octagon return. "I will finish my right shoulder rehab within a month and have some sparring sessions," he said. "Of course, my right shoulder will not be the same as it was before, but I will be able to compete." Jung, who once reached No. 3 in the UFC featherweight rankings, said he wants to face a fighter who is ranked around 15th for his return match. Jung is currently not listed in the rankings due to inactivity. "There are no weak opponents in the UFC, but if I have to fight, I want high-ranked guys," he said. "Fighting strong opponents actually gives me less pressure." Jung, however, said that there is one specific fighter he really wants to face: current UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor. The South Korean even said he wants to fight the 27-year-old Irishman more than Aldo for a revenge match. "It's McGregor's world these days," Jung said. "You can't hate him because he has proven himself." McGregor recently lost to Nate Diaz in a heavier welterweight bout, but he triumphed in featherweight in fashion, destroying Aldo with the fastest finish in a UFC title bout. The Brazilian fighter had not lost an MMA bout in over 11 years, but McGregor ended his reign in just 13 seconds. Jung said that the contest between McGregor and Aldo last December fueled his desire to challenge the trash-talking southpaw fighter. The 170-centimeter striker added he doesn't think McGregor's aggressive fighting spirit on the Octagon is better than his. "I screamed for about 20 seconds after watching McGregor knocking out Aldo," he said. "He never backs off and that's why I want to fight him." Jung, who is known for his punching power and submission skills, said he will display as many techniques as possible once he returns to the cage. While following the recent trend of MMA fighting, he plans to upgrade techniques in ground fighting. "For some time, there has been no dominant trend in MMA fighting, as strikers beat wrestlers and vice versa," he said. "What this means is that MMA fighting is evolving." Jung said he has developed a better perspective on the MMA by coaching young athletes at the gym. Recently two of his pupils collected a victory at a Japanese MMA event. He said he only applies for leave when his fighters enter MMA competitions. Jung, a native of Pohang, a port city that is 360 kilometers south of Seoul, said he got to know many people while being outside the fighting ring. But once he wears the gloves again, Jung said he will stay away from them so he can stay focused on his fighting career. "I'm a guy who only knew about MMA fighting, and I was actually afraid of getting to know a lot of people while doing my social service," he said. "I'm sorry to them, but I will not answer their calls once I return to fighting." Jung, now the father of two daughters, said he will also feel sorry to his family once he returns to the MMA because he will not be able to spend as much time with them as now. He saw the birth of his first child two days before starting his public service, and his second baby this past January. But they understand he needs to be inside the cage in order to put food on the table. "I have a better sense for finances than before because I now have a family to feed," he said. "As McGregor said, this is a business. I make money by fighting." kdon@yna.co.kr (END)