February 17, 2021 (Seoul Korea)- Korean Falcon Soars into PFL’s 2021 Season. On February 3, 2021 the Professional Fighter’s League (PFLMMA) announced its 2021 return to fighting after cancelling its 2020 season due to the Global Pandemic. As part of its expanded card of exciting fighters the organization announced that Jo Sungbin, aka the Korean Falcon, would be joining the quest for the $1 million purse in the Featherweight division.
Jo Sungbin is the first Korean fighter signed to the PFL. The 28 year old sensation has a 9-1 professional record. Rumors abounded about where this free agent would land after leaving the UFC, after just one fight. It seems he has found a new home with this “fighter friendly” MMA organization.
We reached out to this Taekwondo trained fighter in Seoul for this exclusive interview. We look forward to following every round of action as the PFL 2021 season gets under way on April 23rd. Watch here for news as the Korean Falcon soars into PFL’s 2021 season.
We are pleased to bring you Jo Sungbin’s responses in English and Korean, his native language, thanks to Olympic sports reporter and correspondent, Daeho Kang, in Korea.
#Q1. How did you get started
It is because of the Japanese animation “Fighting Spirit”, which is the main character of the boxer. I fell in love with the main character setting goals to achieve his dream, sweating, exercising hard. There was an MMA gym near my house. That’s why I started.
* Fighting Spirit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
#Q2. Did you study Taekwondo? If yes, how did it help your move into Professional MMA?
Of course. Taekwondo’s steps and kicks are also helpful as a mixed martial arts fighter.
#Q3. What attracted you to Professional MMA?
Mixed martial arts does not end with only one martial art being good at it. With the combination of various techniques and martial arts, I feel that there is no end to learning and learning.
When I overcome these difficulties and win, I feel joy that I cannot express in any words.
#Q4. How did you get the nickname “Korean Falcon”?
When I caught a chance to win, I didn’t miss the chance to decide the game and someone told me that I looked like Falcon. As such reactions increased one by one, my nickname naturally became Falcon.
* Jo Sungbin won all nine mixed martial arts games before going to a decision. (4 SUBMISSION 5 KO/TKO)
#Q5. What did you learn during your time in the UFC?
I really trained a lot in physical aspects such as physical strength and skill to advance to UFC. However, when I fought in the UFC, I realized that I was missing the most important thing. I realized that it was important to maintain an unwavering mind in any situation. Therefore, I am still learning mental management and mind control from experts.
#Q6. After you left the UFC there were numerous rumors about you going to other organizations-How did you end up signing with the PFL?
“Stun Gun” Dong Hyun Kim received a lot of help from a Korean-American dentist when he was at UFC, including interpreting, filling out contract documents, and booking accommodations.
I am learning a lot at the Seoul gym run by Stun Gun. The dentist also helped me sign a contract with PFL.
#Q7. What does it mean to you and to Korea that you are the 1st Korean Fighter signed by the PFL?
South Korea is a small but big country. Although its territory is only 109th in the world, its population is 27th and its nominal gross domestic product is 10th in the world as of October 2020. K-pop is gaining global popularity as well as Asia.
I also want to let the U.S. know that Korea is a small but big country with a good performance in PFL.
#Q8. You are currently 9-1 Professionally. What is your goal for the 2021 PFL MMA season?
No fighter goes abroad to lose the game. I also go to America to win. Of course, my final goal is to win the
2021 PFL featherweight tournament and win 1 million dollars, but I will focus on the league match first.
#Q9. Anything else you want to tell our audience?
Yi Sun-sin is the greatest admiral in Korean history. Admiral Yi won the biggest victory in the history of the Korean naval battle after saying, “If you want to die, you will live, and if you want to live, you will die.”
424 years ago, the South Korean Navy had only 13 ships, while Japan had 133 ships. However, the South Korean Navy, impressed by Admiral Yi’s determined attitude, overwhelmed Japan.
Like Admiral Yi, I will also fight in the PFL with the mindset of “If you want to die, you will live, and if you want to live, you will die.“
Taekwondo is the representative martial art of Korea. I will show confident performance to Taekwondo lovers in the U.S. in PFL. Please give me lots of interest and support.
