(photo via KoreanZombieShirt.com)
Korean featherweight Chan Sung Jung (10-3) suffered a brutal knock-out after receiving a kick to the head by George Roop at WEC 51 in September. After “The Korean Zombie’s” popularity exploded after his exciting split decision loss to Leonard Garcia in April, his defeat by Roop had many fickle mma fans looking for ways to return their “Korean Zombie” t-shirts.
Since then, Jung has vowed to “never fight with the same style, ever again.”
“The Korean Zombie” posted the message on his blog, which was translated by Tri-Costa for English fans to read.
“In the end, a fighter who is all talk.
Who showed and proved nothing.
Drunken by the chants of ‘ZOMBIE!!! ZOMBIE!!!’
Not even a single mark left on my opponent’s face.
Even until the end, I was going for that one big shot…
As if going for a takedown were a sin, I didn’t even consider it.
So, that is how scary and painful it is to get knocked out.
I can feel a similar pain in my heart…
On the way to the hospital – as they drew my blood and performed the CT scan – I could only think one thing…
That I would never fight again.
All I could think about was my friend, Jun Seok. I would go learn his trade and work alongisde him, like my friends – at a regular job.
Returning to the hotel…after seeing the fans…and the smirk from George(Roop)…
I went to my room and sat down with my team, where the atmosphere was much more relaxed and calm.
As I continued to question my relevance in MMA…
Suddenly the words of advice that Brian had offered to me at the hospital, came to mind.
Fighting in Korea…fighting in Japan…overcoming all those odds, to end it like this?
Is this why I delayed going to the army?
Is this why I’ve been competing since high school?
The worst part being…
Is this the best I can do?
Am I only good enough to lose to a fighter who was perceived as mediocre by MMA fans?
So, I’ve decided to give this one more shot.
But, the pride I once had for fighting ‘Zombie Style’ has been shattered.
I’m going to change.
It’s okay if you take away my Korean Zombie title.
It’s okay if everyone boos me.
It’s okay if no one in the world ever cheers for me again.
For everyone who has supported me thus far, that I have let down…
I make this promise to you that I will never fight with the same style, ever again.”
– Jung, Chan-Sung