A Change of Styles for "The Korean Zombie"?

In a recent blog post by "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung, the WEC featherweight reflected on his brutal KO loss to George Roop in September (translated by Tri-Coasta):

"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.

Chan Sung Jung has joined the ranks of fighters who paid a high price for being exciting in MMA.  In this sport, particularly in North America, the emphasis on being an exciting fighter is huge.  The UFC gives bonuses for knock outs, submissions, and the "Fight of the Night".  This is by no means a BAD thing, not at all, fighters should be rewarded for remarkable performances.  What we see at times though, are fighters who have skills far beyond that of one who would stand and trade on the feet for the duration of a fight, because it becomes expected by those in attendance.  The fans determine who is exciting, and who is not, and there's no faster way to their hearts than an epic stand up war, such as Chan Sung Jung's battle against Leonard Garcia.  Overnight, the foreign fighter became a fan favorite.  It speaks volumes that a charming nickname and fun display of kick boxing can put you upon a pedestal for fans.  

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 alongside 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?

I wonder at times if some fans realize what it's like.  If you've ever been in a fight, you have an idea how combat sports are different than other sports.  If you've lost a fight, you know what it's like to take that long walk home, bloody nose and a headache. There's just something different about losing a FIGHT, it's not a game, it's something that's been part of human nature from the beginning, MMA just tames that and presents it to us.  

The post-fight blues vary from fighter to fighter.  Some people can take a loss with no thought to it, others are left questioning themselves, and our zombified friend was one of the latter.  UFC Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre had to see a sports psychologist after his KO loss to Matt Serra, no doubt he was asking himself similar questions.  After the jump, Jung's closing statements, which include a great epiphany that simply brings a smile to my face.

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."

Now this, is deep.  I could go on about how this translates into far more than just MMA, but life itself, I'll save that chatter for another time though.  One has to think that this must be the mentality previously mentioned Georges St. Pierre carries with him now, and it's been working well for him.  So, good on you Mr. Korean Zombie, I'll root for you whether you take brutal amounts of punches, or lay on your opponent for the duration of your fight...because you got up and tried again.  We'll see this new style put into action at UFC "Fight for the Troops 2" against Rani Yahya, although, I'm not sure how different it will truly be.  The UFC put him on this card because they know he's a gamer, and they want to put on exciting fights for the troops at Ft. Hood, will Jung disappoint the UFC brass?