In the high-octane world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), few fighters combine raw toughness with an elite academic background like Jin Soo Son.
A protégé of the legendary “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung, Son made waves in the UFC with his gritty style and iron chin. Although his time in the major leagues was brief, his battles against top-tier competition like Petr Yan left a lasting impression on fans.
In this article, you will know Jin Soo Son’s Net Worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more details about his life inside and outside the cage.
Jin Soo Son’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Son Jin-soo (Jin Soo Son) |
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1993 |
| Age | 32 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Education | Gyeongsan Science High School, Chung-Ang University |
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (Bantamweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2014 |
| Team/Affiliation | Korean Zombie MMA |
| Net Worth | $50,000 – $100,000 (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | Approx. $40,000 (UFC & Regional) |
| Relationship Status | Private |
| Instagram Profile | @son_champ |
Early Career
Jin Soo Son followed a unique path to professional fighting that distinguishes him from the vast majority of his peers. Born in Seoul, he displayed academic brilliance early on, attending Gyeongsan Science High School.
In South Korea, science high schools are specialized institutions for gifted students, suggesting Son has a high level of intellectual capability.
He continued his education at Chung-Ang University, one of the top universities in the country, where he likely balanced his studies with his growing passion for martial arts.
He began his professional MMA journey in 2014, competing primarily in the Japanese circuit. His early fights showcased a well-rounded skill set, but he truly found his home in the Japanese promotion DEEP. Fighting in Japan allowed him to hone his skills against experienced regional opponents.
He built an impressive record of 9 wins without a loss early in his run, establishing himself as a top prospect in the Asian bantamweight division. His most significant achievement during this period was capturing the DEEP Bantamweight Championship, a title that served as his ticket to the global stage.
His exciting fighting style and connection to the “Korean Zombie” eventually caught the eye of UFC matchmakers who were looking to bolster their Asian talent roster.
Professional Career
Jin Soo Son’s professional career is defined by his willingness to face the absolute best competition immediately upon arriving on the world stage. He signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2018 with a stellar 9-2 record.
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His debut was a trial by fire against future undisputed champion Petr Yan at UFC Fight Night 136 in Moscow. Despite missing weight for the bout, Son put on a “Fight of the Night” performance.
He absorbed tremendous punishment but never backed down, forcing Yan to work for every second of the unanimous decision victory. This fight proved Son’s durability and heart to the global audience.
His second UFC appearance came in July 2019 against Mario Bautista at UFC on ESPN 4. Once again, the fight was an action-packed affair that showcased the high-volume striking style typical of the Korean Zombie MMA team.
Although Son had his moments, he ultimately lost via unanimous decision. Following this loss, Son parted ways with the UFC. Since 2019, he has remained largely inactive in major professional competition, leading to his current status as a Free Agent.
Despite the setbacks, his professional record stands at a respectable 9 wins and 4 losses, with significant victories in the Asian regional circuit that prove his caliber as a fighter.
Jin Soo Son’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jin Soo Son’s net worth is estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000. This figure reflects his earnings from his professional fighting career, particularly his stint in the UFC, as well as potential income from coaching or seminars.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Base Pay | Win Bonus | Fines/Bonuses | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 136 | Petr Yan | Loss | $10,000 | $0 | -$2,000 (Weight Miss) | $8,000 |
| UFC on ESPN 4 | Mario Bautista | Loss | $12,000 | $0 | $0 | $12,000 |
| DEEP Impact (Est.) | Various | Wins | $2,000 (Avg) | $2,000 | Title Bonuses | ~$20,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Promotion | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-2017 | DEEP / Regional | $15,000 |
| 2018 | UFC | $8,000 |
| 2019 | UFC | $12,000 |
| 2020-2025 | Inactive/Coaching | Undisclosed |
| Total | All Sources | ~$35,000 – $50,000 |
Endorsements
Jin Soo Son had limited endorsement exposure compared to top-ranked stars. His primary sponsorship came from Reebok (under the UFC’s outfitting policy at the time), which paid entry-level fighters $3,500 per fight.
Additionally, he likely received support from local South Korean fitness brands and his gym, Korean Zombie MMA. Since stepping away from the limelight, he does not currently hold major international brand endorsements.
His income in 2026 would primarily stem from instructional roles or private sponsorships within the Korean martial arts community.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Pro MMA Record | 9-4-0 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 4 |
| Wins by Submission | 2 |
| Wins by Decision | 3 |
| Striking Accuracy | 36% |
| Grappling Accuracy | 0% (0 takedowns landed in UFC) |
| Fight of the Night Honors | 0 (Awarded to fight, but forfeited bonus due to weight miss) |
| Average Fight Time | 15:00 (UFC bouts) |
FAQs
1. Who is Jin Soo Son?
Jin Soo Son is a South Korean mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC bantamweight division and won the DEEP bantamweight championship. He trains at Korean Zombie MMA and earned recognition for his exciting fighting style, receiving Fight of the Night honors in both of his UFC appearances despite losing both bouts.
2. What is Jin Soo Son’s professional MMA record?
Son holds a professional record of 9 wins and 4 losses in his MMA career. He secured victories through 4 knockouts, 2 submissions, and 3 decisions, while his notable losses came against top fighters including Petr Yan and Mario Bautista during his UFC tenure.
3. When did Jin Soo Son fight in the UFC?
Son competed in the UFC during 2018 and 2019, making his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 136 in September 2018 against Petr Yan. He fought Mario Bautista seven months later at UFC on ESPN 4 in July 2019 before leaving the promotion after going 0-2 in the organization.
4. What injury affected Jin Soo Son’s UFC career?
Son suffered from a serious neck disc injury that severely impacted his performance throughout his UFC stint. He later revealed the injury prevented him from executing his fight strategies properly and contributed to his physical deterioration during his preparation for competition.
5. What does Jin Soo Son do besides fighting?
Son graduated from Chung-Ang University’s Department of Pharmacy after transferring from Chemical Engineering and passed the national pharmacist exam. He also runs a YouTube channel and previously co-hosted the Weekly Fight Club radio podcast with reporter Lee Kyo-deok.
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