Zombie: Asian Men Are As Strong As Every Other Man

Photo by Todd Lussier/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Chan Sung Jung has no time for stereotypes.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight contender, fresh off his knockout win over ex-lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar, is going to prove to the world that Asian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters are just as formidable as combatants forged in competing countries.

The means to that end is the UFC 145-pound title, currently held by Alexander Volkanovski. And while “The Korean Zombie” already came up short in his first UFC title fight — against Jose Aldo at UFC 163 over six years back — Jung is a more polished fighter at this stage of his MMA career.

“The day I am given the opportunity for a title shot will be the day I become the champion,” Jung told MMA Junkie. “I get a feeling that I won’t ever lose. Becoming the champion will mean that I have achieved my goal, and through that, I will also be able to prove that Asian men are as strong as every other man.”

Prior to laying out Edgar at UFC Busan, Jung (16-5) beat the brakes of Brazilian wunderkind, Renato Carneiro. He also holds wins (and finishes) over the likes of Dustin Poirier and Dennis Bermudez, so as far as his record is concerned, he’s already accomplished one half of his mission.

Getting his hands on the title, however, may be a different story. Ahead of Jung, 32, in the officials rankings are Brian Ortega and Zabit Magomedsharipov, as well as former champion Max Holloway. “The Korean Zombie” has undoubtedly come a long way … but still has a long way to go.