In an interview with Coach Yang TV, Myung Ho Bae explained the emotions behind his sudden Black Combat move, his past UFC regret, and why he remains grateful to ZFN for allowing him to continue his career.
Former LFC and AFC welterweight champion Myung Ho Bae has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his recent move from ZFN to Black Combat, revealing that the decision was driven by years of unresolved regret rather than any conflict with his former promotion.
Speaking in a recent interview on Coach Yang TV, hosted by Busan Team MAD coach Seong Hoon Yang, Bae reflected on the emotional journey that led to one of the biggest moves in Korean MMA this year. While fans speculated about why he left ZFN after just one fight, Bae explained that the decision was spontaneous and ultimately made possible through the understanding of Chan Sung Jung, founder of ZFN.
A Career Regret That Never Fully Disappeared
Bae began by revisiting one of the defining disappointments of his career.
Years ago, he received an opportunity to sign with the UFC, but contractual complications prevented the move from happening. Although he accepted the outcome at the time, he admitted that the missed opportunity continued to weigh on him as the years passed.
“When I was younger, I thought another opportunity would eventually come,” Bae explained. “But as I got older, I realized there was still something inside me that had never been resolved.”
He said those lingering emotions eventually resurfaced after his recent victory under the ZFN banner.
An Emotional Decision Inside the Cage
According to Bae, his decision to pursue Black Combat was not planned before the fight.
He explained that after the bout, he unexpectedly asked if he could speak on the microphone. What followed was something he had never rehearsed.
“I hadn’t prepared anything,” Bae said. “I didn’t even know if I would have the chance to speak after the fight.”
Instead, the moment unfolded naturally.
Before addressing the crowd, Bae quietly asked Chan Sung Jung if it would be acceptable to discuss his future. Rather than objecting, Jung reportedly replied that Bae should do what he felt was right.
Bae described Jung’s response as one of the moments he appreciated most throughout the process.
Gratitude for Chan Sung Jung
Throughout the interview, Bae repeatedly emphasized that there was no dispute between himself and ZFN.
Instead, he praised Jung for handling a difficult contractual situation with understanding and respect.
Knowing Bae still had fights remaining under his agreement, Jung nevertheless chose to support the veteran’s wishes.
Bae said Jung welcomed the conversation rather than standing in its way, a gesture he described as both generous and deeply meaningful.
Host Seong Hoon Yang also praised Jung’s decision, noting that contract situations are often sensitive in combat sports and that allowing a fighter to pursue a new opportunity speaks highly of his character.
Protecting the People Around Him
One of the interview’s more personal moments came when Bae admitted his biggest concern was never his own reputation.
Instead, he worried that the uncertainty surrounding his future could negatively affect his teammates, students, and coaching staff.
He described carrying the stress privately for several weeks while waiting for everything to be resolved, explaining that even positive outcomes can leave emotional scars if relationships are damaged along the way.
Now that the transition has been completed, Bae says he is relieved that everyone involved was able to reach an understanding without creating unnecessary conflict.
A Fresh Start With Black Combat
Bae also spoke about the renewed motivation he has found since joining Black Combat.
Despite being one of Korea’s more experienced welterweights, he said the move has given him a fresh sense of purpose and reminded him why he continues to compete.
He credited a healthier mindset and lifestyle for reigniting his passion, saying he now wants to see how far he can still climb in the sport.
The veteran added that watching the journeys of other Korean fighters has inspired him to continue writing his own story rather than viewing his recent fight as the final chapter of his career.
Looking Ahead
Bae closed the interview by thanking fans for their continued support and promising to reward that support with strong performances inside the Black Combat cage.
While his move generated considerable discussion throughout the Korean MMA community, the veteran hopes fans understand that the decision was never about leaving on bad terms.
Instead, it was about finding closure, embracing a new opportunity, and continuing a career that he believes still has unfinished business.
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