EXCLUSIVE | The Korean Zombie: Conor McGregor Has Made a Mess of the Featherweight Division

Now closing in on the end of the two years of mandatory military service required of South Korean citizens, Chan Sung Jung – more widely known as “The Korean Zombie” – is poised for  return to the Octagon. In advance of his return, the featherweight favorite spoke with Chris Taylor on BJPenn.com’s Rapid Fire to discuss the state of the division, and the man who rules it: Conor McGregor.

According to the South Korean legend, McGregor has made things complicated at featherweight. That said, he doubts the Irish star will ever return to the division.

“Conor McGregor has made a mess of the featherweight division,” he explained. “I don’t think he’ll be coming back to featherweight, though. A lot has happened in my time away. We’ll have to see what happens. We have to see if McGregor is going to defend the belt or not. I doubt it, though.”

Given McGregor’s absence from the division, and interim champion Jose Aldo’s current reluctance to fight, the featherweight title picture is extremely murky at the moment. In advance of his return, however, The Korean Zombie is more concerned with performing well in his comeback fight than he is with a potential title shot down the road.

“I haven’t really thought about [my path to the title],” he explained. “I need to get a comeback fight under my belt first. Right now, that’s my focus. Of course, I want to be back in the title picture as soon as possible, but first thing’s first.”

Though many fighters are frustrated by the way Conor McGregor has blurred the featherweight title picture, many others are of the belief that his transcendent stardom is good for the sport. During his appearance on Rapid Fire, the Korean Zombie gave his take on the issue.

“He’s doing well for himself,” he said. “McGregor is very good at what he does. Only he can get away with that kind of stuff. It’s too bad we’re not in the same division. Since I don’t think he’s coming back down to featherweight, we probably won’t get the chance to fight. But, obviously, he’s become a big star and is making lots of money. I honestly don’t know if it’s good for the sport, since he’s just looking after himself.”

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