Promotion History

2024 – The Launch of ZFN

Following his retirement from the UFC in 2023, Chan Sung Jung announced the creation of Z-Fight Night with the goal of addressing what he saw as a gap in Korea’s MMA development system. Rather than focusing solely on hosting events, Jung envisioned a promotion that could consistently develop athletes capable of competing on the world’s biggest stages.

The inaugural Z-Fight Night 1 took place on June 29, 2024, at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul. The event introduced the promotion’s high production values and immediately gained international attention by streaming globally through UFC Fight Pass.

Later that year, ZFN 2 expanded into a larger venue at KINTEX in Goyang, demonstrating the promotion’s rapid growth.

2025 – Building a Development System

In early 2025, ZFN launched ZFN: ORIGIN, a developmental series specifically designed to discover and develop the next generation of Korean MMA talent. Unlike the flagship events, ORIGIN cards focus on rising prospects and athletes making their professional breakthrough.

Throughout 2025, the promotion alternated between flagship numbered events and ORIGIN cards, creating a year-round schedule that provided consistent opportunities for fighters to gain experience and progress through the organization.

2026 – Continued Expansion

By 2026, ZFN had successfully held multiple flagship events and ORIGIN shows, with ZFN 4: Blood Moon becoming its largest event to date. Held at Ticketlink Live Arena in Seoul, the event featured high-profile Korean stars, championship bouts, and one of the promotion’s biggest live audiences.

The continued success of the ORIGIN series further strengthened the promotion’s reputation as one of Korea’s premier talent development platforms, with several graduates earning opportunities on flagship cards.

Rules and Format

ZFN follows the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, utilizing the internationally recognized rule set used by organizations such as the UFC. This consistency allows athletes to transition more easily to major international promotions.

Numbered Events

The flagship cards feature:

• Championship bouts
• Top Korean contenders
• International guest fighters
• High-profile main events
• Established veterans facing rising prospects

These events serve as the promotion’s showcase cards and receive worldwide distribution through UFC Fight Pass.

ZFN: ORIGIN

Introduced in 2025, ORIGIN functions as the promotion’s official developmental league.

Its primary goals include:

• Identifying amateur standouts
• Developing young professionals
• Giving unsigned fighters professional opportunities
• Preparing athletes for future main cards

The series has become one of Korea’s most important proving grounds for emerging MMA talent.

Fighter Development Philosophy

One of ZFN’s defining characteristics is its emphasis on long-term athlete development rather than simply promoting individual events. Through regular competition, coaching support, and international exposure, the organization aims to prepare Korean fighters for careers in elite global promotions.

Broadcast History

UFC Fight Pass Partnership

One of ZFN’s most significant achievements was securing a broadcast partnership with UFC Fight Pass from its inaugural event. This made ZFN one of the few Korean MMA organizations to receive worldwide distribution through the UFC’s official streaming platform, dramatically increasing the visibility of its fighters.

YouTube

In addition to Fight Pass, the promotion maintains an active YouTube presence featuring:

• Fight highlights
• Press conferences
• Weigh-ins
• Behind-the-scenes documentaries
• Promotional content
• ORIGIN coverage

The promotion also leverages Chan Sung Jung’s established online audience to engage fans and promote upcoming events.

Notable Milestones

Founded by Chan Sung Jung

ZFN became the first major Korean MMA promotion founded by a retired UFC superstar. Chan Sung Jung’s experience competing at the highest level has heavily influenced the promotion’s athlete-first philosophy and international ambitions.

UFC Fight Pass Distribution

From its debut, ZFN secured global streaming through UFC Fight Pass, giving Korean fighters unprecedented international exposure and making the promotion one of the most globally accessible domestic MMA promotions in South Korea.

Creation of ZFN: ORIGIN

The launch of ORIGIN in 2025 established a dedicated developmental league focused exclusively on discovering and preparing the next generation of Korean MMA athletes, creating a structured pathway from prospect to flagship events.

Rapid Event Growth

Within two years of its founding, ZFN had successfully staged multiple flagship events alongside a growing ORIGIN schedule, quickly establishing itself as one of South Korea’s fastest-growing MMA organizations.

Raising Korea’s International Profile

By combining world-class production, UFC Fight Pass distribution, and Chan Sung Jung’s international reputation, the promotion has strengthened Korea’s position within the global MMA ecosystem. The promotion serves as both a showcase for established Korean fighters and a launchpad for emerging talent seeking opportunities on the international stage.

Legacy

Despite being a relatively young organization, the promotion has quickly developed a distinct identity centered on athlete development, global exposure, and professional production. Founded on Chan Sung Jung’s vision of creating a clearer pathway for Korean fighters to reach the world’s biggest stages, the promotion has already become an important part of South Korea’s MMA landscape. Through its flagship events, the ORIGIN developmental league, and worldwide UFC Fight Pass broadcasts, the promotion is helping shape the next generation of Korean mixed martial artists while expanding the country’s influence within the global MMA community.