Top FC (TFC) and Zombie Fight Night (ZFN) appear to be taking their working relationship to the next level after TFC officially announced the first cross-promotional bouts for TFC 23.
The announcement came during TFC 22, where TFC CEO Dong Jin Ha confirmed that TFC 23 will take place on Sunday, August 30, at the TFC Dream Center in Gimpo.
While the date and venue were expected to attract attention, the bigger story was the reveal of two confirmed TFC vs. ZFN matchups, providing the clearest indication yet that the two promotions are actively working together to build events featuring fighters from both organizations.
For South Korean MMA fans, the announcement represents more than the launch of another fight card—it highlights a growing level of cooperation between two of the country’s most recognizable regional promotions.
TFC vs. ZFN Matchups Confirmed
TFC officially announced the first two bouts for the event:
- Jong Hak Yoo (ZFN) vs. Shin Hoo Lee (TFC) — Bantamweight
- Jun Hyeop Sung (ZFN) vs. Seung Jun Lee (TFC) — Heavyweight
Rather than matching fighters exclusively from its own roster, TFC has paired athletes from both promotions in genuine cross-promotional contests.
The two fights feature established competitors looking to continue building momentum within the Korean regional scene, while also giving fans the opportunity to compare talent across different organizations.
With additional bouts expected to be announced in the coming weeks, these opening contests may only be the beginning of a broader collaborative effort between the promotions.
A New Chapter for Korean MMA
Cross-promotional events have historically been uncommon in South Korea.
Most regional promotions have traditionally focused on developing their own athletes and championships, with fighters generally remaining within a single organization until signing internationally with promotions such as the UFC, ONE Championship, or RIZIN.
That is why the relationship between TFC and ZFN has drawn increasing attention over the past several months.
Instead of positioning themselves as direct competitors, the promotions appear to be embracing cooperation by allowing athletes to compete across promotional lines. The announcement at TFC 22 is the strongest public indication yet that both organizations see value in working together.
For fans, the result is simple: more intriguing matchups and fresh stylistic clashes that would have been difficult to organize under a more traditional promotional model.
The Growing Influence of ZFN
Since its launch under former UFC featherweight title challenger Chan Sung Jung, better known worldwide as “The Korean Zombie,” Zombie Fight Night has quickly become one of the fastest-growing MMA promotions in South Korea.
ZFN has developed a reputation for identifying emerging talent while also attracting established veterans looking for new opportunities.
The promotion’s willingness to collaborate with TFC demonstrates an approach centered on growing Korean MMA as a whole rather than limiting opportunities to a single roster.
Likewise, TFC continues to establish itself after returning to regular events with the opening of the TFC Dream Center, giving the promotion a dedicated venue to host future cards and develop homegrown talent.
Why the Partnership Matters
For Korean MMA, collaboration between promotions could have long-term benefits.
Cross-promotional events create fresh matchups without requiring fighters to leave their home organizations, while giving athletes additional exposure against unfamiliar opponents. They also help build storylines that extend beyond individual promotions, creating greater interest from fans and media alike.
Japan’s MMA scene has long benefited from occasional cooperation between organizations, producing memorable crossover events and expanding opportunities for fighters. Although South Korea’s MMA industry is structured differently, TFC and ZFN appear to be exploring a similar philosophy.
If the partnership continues beyond TFC 23, it could encourage additional collaboration throughout the regional scene and provide more meaningful opportunities for Korean fighters before they reach the international stage.
Looking Ahead to TFC 23
Only two bouts have been officially confirmed, but TFC has indicated that additional matchups will be announced as the event approaches.
Whether the remainder of the card includes more TFC vs. ZFN contests remains to be seen, but the first announcements have already established one of the event’s biggest storylines.
For now, fans can look forward to Jong Hak Yoo taking on Shin Hoo Lee at bantamweight and Jun Hyeop Sung meeting Seung Jun Lee in a heavyweight showdown on August 30.
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All the small organizations need to combine and cross promote to survive in Korea. I dont see the draw of having a regional stars split up.
Agreed glad to see all these new organizations but there are only a few guys I really want to watch