Chan Sung Jung nicknamed the "Korean Zombie" for his fighting style and the way he trudges forward absorbing massive amounts of punishment while appearing unfazed. Jung captured the hearts of MMA fans and sports fans alike after his three round war loss against fellow featherweight Leonard Garcia at WEC 48 Aldo v. Faber PPV. After the merger of the WEC's lighter weight classes into the UFC, Jung came along with the package. While fighting for the UFC he amassed a record of 3-1 (only loss to current featherweight champion Jose Aldo Junior) with a record of 13-4 overall. He even made UFC history in his rematch against Leonard Garcia in which he submitted him with "a twister" (first time in UFC history.)
Despite this popularity and worldwide appeal he failed to have his mandatory military service waived, which will put his MMA career on hold for at least two years. Jung made an appeal to Korean army in an effort to maintain his job presenting evidence that he was employed by an overseas corporation and that his job could not afford him a two year leave of absence. His enrollment had been halted by the fact that he had incurred a shoulder injury in his fight against Jose Aldo. In addition, Jung has not seen action in the cage since that championship bout in August 2013. After receiving surgery, for the injury it appears the Korean military become more aggressive as to compelling the fighter to enlist. With this long leave of absence, will the "Korean Zombie" return to the case? At the time of this article, Jung is currently 27 years old, which would mean he would be 29 if he so decides to return to the sport.
Brian Rhee, Jung's manager, told MMAJunkie.com that Jung would begin service on October 20th of this year and his release is slated for October 26, 2016.
