Doo Ho Choi reflects on the decisive moments of his UFC 331 loss to Patrício Pitbull, accepts the setback without excuses and thanks his supporters before taking time to recover.
Doo Ho Choi has broken his silence following his loss to Patrício Pitbull at UFC 331, reflecting on the moment the fight slipped away and thanking those who supported him throughout his return.
The latest episode of Korean Superboy Embedded followed Choi throughout fight day, from leaving for the arena to the immediate aftermath of his first-round defeat. By the following morning, the disappointment was still there, but Choi had already begun putting the result into perspective.
“I didn’t expect to keep winning forever, nor did I think I would lose this time, but I have no regrets because I gave it my all,” Choi said.
For the Korean featherweight, however, the most difficult part of the loss may have been how close he felt to finding his rhythm before the finish.
Choi Thought the Momentum Was Beginning to Turn
In the immediate aftermath of the fight, Choi admitted the damage from the finishing sequence was severe enough that he did not fully understand what had happened in the final moments.
“At the very end, I didn’t even really know how I got hit,” Choi said.
Before that sequence, Choi believed he was beginning to find success.
He recalled connecting with a one-two combination before landing a left uppercut as Pitbull entered range. It was the first moment in the fight when Choi felt the momentum beginning to shift.
“I thought I had finally seized the momentum,” Choi said. “I landed a solid one-two combo and a left uppercut as he was coming in. I thought I was really turning the tide.”
Then came Pitbull’s right hand.
It was particularly frustrating for Choi because it was a weapon he knew he needed to avoid.
“I was only thinking, ‘Watch out for the right hand,’” Choi said. “Even though I knew the right hand was coming, I still couldn’t stop it. I guess that’s why he’s so good.”
“If I Had Made It Through That Round…”
Choi also acknowledged the effectiveness of Pitbull’s calf kicks, another weapon his team had prepared for ahead of UFC 331.
Knowing what was coming and successfully dealing with it inside the Octagon proved to be two different things.
Choi said throwing his own kicks felt risky and admitted that he may have been somewhat rushed during the fight.
That frustration was compounded by the confidence Choi carried into UFC 331.
After putting together a winning streak, he genuinely believed he was capable of beating the former Bellator champion.
“I thought I could win,” Choi said. “I felt a bit rushed, too.”
The opening minutes had not gone entirely according to plan. Choi recalled an early clash of heads and feeling that things were not falling into place.
But as the two began exchanging at close range, something changed.
Choi started seeing openings. His combinations began connecting. For a moment, he believed he had found the fight he wanted.
Then Pitbull landed the decisive shot.
“If I hadn’t taken that hit and made it through that round… I could’ve won,” Choi said.
“It hurts. It’s just a shame.”
Choi Gives Pitbull Credit
Despite the disappointment, Choi did not search for excuses.
Instead, he acknowledged the frustrating reality that Pitbull ultimately beat him with the very weapon he had been most conscious of avoiding.
“I was careful about his best move,” Choi said. “But I lost by getting hit with that very move. What can you do?”
By the following morning, Choi appeared ready to accept the result for what it was.
He admitted the loss remained “incredibly disappointing,” but viewed it as part of the reality of competing at the highest level.
“That’s the nature of fighting, and I think I just fell short this time,” Choi said.
He also made a point of thanking Pitbull.
“I’m also very grateful to my opponent, Pitbull, for the match.”
“Thank You So Much for All the Support”
The loss brought Choi’s recent winning run to an end, but his message afterward did not sound like a farewell.
Instead, Choi said he plans to step away temporarily, recover and eventually return.
“I’m going to take some time to rest now, and I’ll be back to greet you all again.”
For Choi, UFC 331 ultimately ended far differently than he envisioned. He entered believing he could win, felt the fight beginning to turn in his favor and then watched that opportunity disappear in a matter of seconds.
But when he addressed his supporters the next morning, Choi chose to focus on the experience rather than the result.
“Thank you so much for all the support,” Choi said. “I was truly happy preparing for and competing in this match.”
After years of setbacks, injuries and long stretches away from competition, Choi had once again made the walk to the UFC Octagon with expectations building around another run.
UFC 331 delivered a setback.
For now, the Korean Superboy will rest.
Then, according to Choi, he plans to come back.
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