Top UFC featherweight contender, and former world title challenger Chan Sung Jung will step away from MMA competition for the next two years in order to fulfill the mandatory military service requirements of his native South Korea, according to reports. The 27 year-old has already not fought in over a year - since losing a competitive and gutsy bout to champion Jose Aldo in Aug. 2013 at UFC 163 - to injuries.
The fan-favorite was set to return to action this month, but he was injured again this past summer and was forced to pull out. Now, "The Korean Zombie," is set to lose two more years from the prime of his career.�
According to reports, Jung posted the announcement Monday on his official Facebook page, in Korean. Cagewriter contacted the UFC for comment, but they had none at time of publication.
Our partners over at MMA Fighting followed up Jung's manager Brian Rhee, who confirmed the reports.�"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."
According to CBS News, South Korean "able-bodied men" must serve in the nation's military for at least 26 months before reaching the age of 30. South Korea, of course, borders a brutal dictatorship to the North.
North Korea has over a million troops, and South Korea reportedly has a military just over 600,000 large. Jung's birthday is listed as March 17, 1987, which means he is just at the deadline for when he could begin his military service and still abide by South Korean conscription law.�
The aggressive fighter has become beloved across the world for his non-stop and skilled style. Before losing to Aldo, Jung had won and finished three straight UFC fights.
Jung's life is set to change rapidly, and in more ways than one, this month. The fighter will not only reportedly begin his military service Oct. 20, he and his wife are also expecting their first child this very week.
Follow Elias on Twitter @EliasCepeda & @YahooCagewriter
�
�
Karn Grigorian Karen Grigoryan Kendall Grove Clay Guida Jason Guida
No comments:
Post a Comment