The longtime Road FC CEO explains why sponsors, entertainment, and experienced operators may be just as important to the future of Korean MMA as the athletes themselves.
For years, Moon Hong Jung has been one of Korean MMA’s most outspoken traditionalists. As the founder and CEO of Road FC, he built his reputation defending fighters and the sport during a time when mixed martial arts was still fighting for mainstream acceptance.
Now, his message sounds noticeably different.
In a conversation with Domus CEO In Taek Oh, Moon discussed everything from sponsorships and entertainment partnerships to the Korea MMA Association and why he believes Korean MMA has entered a new era. Rather than resisting outside influence, he argues that the sport now needs business leaders, media companies, and new investors to help build its future.
From Protecting MMA to Growing It
One of the most interesting moments comes when In Taek Oh jokes that Moon once criticized entertainers for getting involved in combat sports.
Moon doesn’t deny it.
He explains that his attitude came from years of watching MMA struggle for legitimacy. At the time, he felt the sport was constantly dismissed, making him protective of fighters and reluctant to welcome outsiders.
Today, he sees things differently.
With MMA now recognized as an official Asian Games sport and enjoying wider public acceptance, Moon says he no longer feels the need to guard the industry so closely. Instead, he wants to see everyone—from entertainers to entrepreneurs—help the sport continue growing.
Sponsorship Is Still the Foundation
Despite the changing landscape, Moon believes one thing has never changed.
Money keeps promotions alive.
He stresses that a strong title sponsor remains the most important financial pillar for any MMA organization, while additional sponsors provide stability and allow promotions to continue expanding.
The conversation also highlights new companies joining Road FC’s sponsorship portfolio and the constant search for larger commercial partners capable of supporting long-term growth.
Why In Taek Oh Entered MMA
The video’s title asks why a television personality would enter the fight business.
In Taek Oh’s answer is straightforward.
He sees opportunity.
His company, Domus, is building entertainment-focused combat sports events while creating more opportunities for athletes. He recalls struggling to recruit fighters in the beginning, only to find himself facing the opposite problem today—more competitors want to fight than there are available spots on event cards.
For Moon, that’s evidence that successful promotions naturally attract fighters.
Build Better Events, and Fighters Will Come
Moon pushes back against the idea that promotions exist only to serve athletes.
Instead, he argues that promotions create the stage that allows athletes to build careers.
If organizations consistently produce quality events, attract audiences, and create meaningful opportunities, fighters will naturally want to compete there. Rather than seeing promoters and athletes as opposing interests, Moon believes both sides depend on one another.
Responding to Criticism
The discussion also addresses criticism surrounding Domus’ fighter sponsorship model.
Moon dismisses many of those complaints, arguing that allowing fans to financially support fighters is no different from fans buying merchandise or supporting musicians and creators.
If supporters want to help cover an athlete’s training costs, he believes that should be viewed as a positive development rather than something controversial.
Setting the Record Straight on the Korea MMA Association
A significant portion of the interview focuses on misinformation surrounding the Korea MMA Association.
Moon explains that the association is the officially recognized governing body under the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, making it responsible for national team selection and participation in international competitions.
He argues that much of the criticism directed at the organization comes from misunderstandings about how official membership and qualification systems work rather than from the rules themselves.
Looking Ahead
By the end of the conversation, both men agree that Korean MMA has reached an important turning point.
Moon acknowledges that years of responding to criticism have made him more reserved publicly, while In Taek Oh encourages him to continue speaking directly to fans in order to counter misinformation and provide clarity on issues affecting the sport.
Beyond the Headlines
The easiest story here would have been, “A celebrity enters the MMA business.”
The more interesting story is what that actually represents.
For years, Korean MMA relied almost entirely on passionate gym owners, coaches, and fighters to keep the sport moving forward. Moon Hong Jung now believes the next phase requires something different: experienced business operators, stronger sponsorship networks, entertainment partnerships, and better communication with fans.
Whether every viewer agrees with his opinions or not, the conversation offers a rare look into how one of Korean MMA’s longest-serving promoters sees the industry’s future—and why he believes growth will come from expanding the ecosystem around fighters, not just inside the cage.
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