Chan Sung Jung, ‘Korean Zombie’, can’t fight in the UFC for two years

CHAN Sung Jung has not entered the Octagon in more than a year. His fans are going to have to wait even longer to see him compete again.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 03: (L-R) "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung and Jose Aldo exchange punches in their featherweight championship bout during UFC 163 at HSBC Arena on August 3, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

CHAN Sung Jung has not entered the Octagon in more than a year. His fans are going to have to wait even longer to see him compete again.

“The Korean Zombie” will be taking two years off from the UFC to rehab injuries and enlist in South Korea’s military, Jung announced on social media.

South Korean men are required to serve two years. Jung will not see any field combat, instead working out of an office, according to MMAjunkie.

Jung (13-4) has not fought since falling to UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo by TKO in August 2013.

He badly injured his shoulder in that bout. The 27-year-old is ranked No. 6 among UFC featherweight contenders, but will likely be removed from the rankings on account of his inactivity.

Jung is known as one of the most exciting fighters in the organisation, racking up five fight-night bonuses in six fights for the UFC and WEC.

“The Korean Zombie” was supposed to return against Akira Corassani at UFC Fight Night on Fight Pass earlier this month in Sweden, but had to withdraw because of an injury. UFC president Dana White said recently that the UFC would be coming to South Korea for the first time in 2015, but it doesn’t look like Jung will be a part of that event as an active fighter.

Jung is most known for his two bouts against Leonard Garcia.

The first was a Fight of the Year candidate in 2010, and Jung finished the second fight via the first and only twister submission in UFC history.

That earned him Submission of the Year accolades.

Jung also owns a d’arce choke win over Dustin Poirier in a 2012 Fight of the Year candidate and a knockout of Mark Hominick.

Jung’s manager Brian Rhee told MMAjunkie that Jung will still be able to train every day during his service, just not compete in a fight.

He will not be required to live on a military base, which is good news for Jung and his family. They are expected to welcome a newborn this week.