chan sung jung

UFC featherweight Chan Sung Jung nicknamed “The Korean Zombie,” is taking, is being forced to take rather, a hiatus from MMA for at least the next two years. Koreans have a mandatory military service requirement of two years for all South Korean males. Jung’s manager Brian Rhee talked with  MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani.

“He feels bad for his fans and thankful to the UFC, Dana and the Ferttitas for letting him be a professional fighter,” Rhee said. “He’s going to rehab, train and comeback stronger than ever after the end of the 2 years”

Jung, 27, is scheduled to report to basic training on October 20 of this year. His departure is very interesting for the 145 pound division. More than a gatekeeper, but not the number one contender – his shoes are difficult to fill. Still, while his exit means one less exciting fight on the card it’s a big opportunity for guys to move up the ladder since Jung will lose his ranking after being away for so long. Dana will no doubt place him in the mix again if he wins his first fight back convincingly.

Jung’s last fight was a loss to 145 king Jose Aldo at UFC 163 via TKO. Before that he pulled off his infamous twister submission on Leonard Garcia, KO’d Mark Hominick, and put Dustin Poirier on the wrong side of a submission loss via D’arce choke. Jung was expected to face Akira Corassani on October 4, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 53. However, Jung pulled out of the bout citing another injury and was replaced by Max Holloway.

PMN wishes Jung the best, a speedy return, and thanks him for his service to his country.

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