Former UFC Light Heavyweight Says He Is Stronger Than Ever Ahead of Long-Awaited Return in Korea
After nearly two years away from competition, former UFC light heavyweight Da Woon Jung is preparing to step back into the cage, and he believes fans will see a better version of himself when he returns at TFC 22.
Speaking during a recent training camp interview, Jung reflected on his UFC departure, the challenges of the past two years, and his decision to move up to heavyweight for his comeback fight. Most importantly, he made one thing clear: he never stopped working.
“I haven’t been sitting around doing nothing for the last two years,” Jung said. “I want to show the fans who waited for me a great performance.”
The former UFC veteran is scheduled to compete at TFC 22, which takes place at TFC Dream Center in Gimpo, South Korea. The event marks not only Jung’s first fight since leaving the UFC but also a return to fighting in front of Korean fans.
Excitement Builds for Da Woon Jung’s Return
Jung admitted that returning to competition has brought a renewed sense of excitement.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in my hometown and in Korea,” he said. “I’m really excited and I want to fight as soon as possible.”
The Korean veteran spent several years competing against some of the world’s best fighters in the UFC light heavyweight division before a difficult stretch resulted in his departure from the promotion.
While some fighters are caught off guard by being released from the UFC, Jung revealed that he had already come to terms with the possibility.
“Honestly, I wasn’t surprised,” Jung said. “I was on a losing streak and after every loss I expected it a little more. I had already accepted that possibility.”
Heavyweight Move Brings New Confidence
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Jung’s return is his move to heavyweight.
According to Jung, he currently weighs approximately 118 kilograms (260 pounds) and has spent the past several months preparing specifically for competition against larger opponents.
“I’ve sparred with heavyweight fighters and I don’t feel like I’m lacking anything physically,” he explained. “Whether my opponent is two meters tall or weighs 150 kilograms doesn’t matter to me.”
Jung believes the additional size has improved his overall condition rather than hindered it.
“I’ve only gained about four or five kilograms,” he said. “It’s not because I got fat. I’ve been preparing for heavyweight. I actually feel better.”
The former UFC fighter noted that his speed has remained largely intact despite the weight increase.
“My speed hasn’t dropped as much as I expected, but my strength has increased significantly,” he said. “The biggest difference is definitely the power.”
Learning From UFC Setbacks
Jung also offered a candid assessment of his UFC career and the lessons he learned from competing against elite opposition.
“When I fought the opponents who beat me, I realized I was lacking in many areas,” he admitted.
“I wasn’t good enough technically, and I think I was lacking mentally as well. That’s something I regret and think about a lot.”
Despite those setbacks, Jung believes the experience ultimately helped him mature both as a fighter and as a person.
During his time away from competition, Jung focused on his family, operated his gym, and continued training while rebuilding his confidence.
“The last two years were busier than people think,” he said. “I have a family now and I run a gym.”
“There was definitely disappointment in myself for a long time, but my family and teammates helped me get through it.”
Fighting in Korea Could Be a Major Advantage
Another factor that has Jung feeling optimistic is the opportunity to compete on home soil.
Throughout his UFC career, Jung frequently traveled internationally and dealt with the challenges of adjusting to different time zones.
“This time I’m fighting in Korea,” he said. “I can compete at 100 percent of my condition.”
The former UFC standout believes fighting domestically could allow fans to see one of the best performances of his career.
“I’m curious myself to see what kind of performance comes out when I can fight at my best.”
A Message to His Opponent
As fight night approaches, Jung remains respectful of his opponent but has no doubts about the outcome.
“Thank you for accepting the fight,” he said. “I hope we can put on an exciting fight together.”
But he quickly followed that with a prediction.
“You came a long way, and I’m sorry about this,” Jung said with a smile. “But I’m winning this fight. No matter what.”
A New Chapter Begins at TFC 22
For Korean MMA fans, TFC 22 represents more than just another regional event. It marks the return of one of Korea’s most accomplished UFC veterans and provides an opportunity for Da Woon Jung to begin a new chapter in his fighting career.
With added size, renewed motivation, and the support of a hometown crowd behind him, Jung believes the fighter entering the cage at TFC 22 is a more complete athlete than the one who left the UFC two years ago.
Now, he has the chance to prove it.
Full video available courtesy of TFC Korea Youtube Channel
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