Doo Ho Choi reminded the MMA world exactly why he carries the nickname “The Korean Superboy” this weekend, delivering a devastating second‑round TKO victory over Brazil’s Daniel Santos in the co‑main event of UFC Vegas 117. The win marks Choi’s third straight stoppage and his first three‑fight streak in nearly a decade, signaling a full‑fledged resurgence for the South Korean fan favorite.
A Rough Start for Doo Ho Choi Turned Into a Ruthless Finish
Santos, who had earned an unofficial reputation as a “Korean Killer” after defeating two other South Korean fighters came out aggressively in Round 1. He pressured Choi with heavy combinations, body kicks, and even takedown threats, opening significant bleeding from Choi’s nose and forcing the veteran to weather an early storm.
But Choi stayed composed behind a steady jab, gradually slowing Santos’ momentum as the fight progressed. Early in Round 2, he began finding his rhythm, timing Santos’ entries and countering with precision. Then came the turning point: a perfectly placed left‑hand body shot that folded Santos where he stood. The referee stepped in at 4:29 of the second round, sealing Choi’s emphatic TKO victory.
What This Win Means for Choi
At 35, Choi is showing some of the best form of his career. His record now stands at 17‑4‑1 overall and 6‑3‑1 in the UFC, and this latest performance reinforces that he remains a dangerous contender in the featherweight division.
This win also carries symbolic weight: Choi not only avenged the losses of his fellow Korean fighters but also dismantled the narrative surrounding Santos’ “Korean Killer” label. It was a statement – technical, emotional, and emphatic.
Fight Highlights
- Santos’ early pressure: Heavy hooks, body kicks, and forward momentum put Choi on the defensive.
- Choi’s adjustments: A disciplined jab and improved timing helped him neutralize Santos’ aggression.
- The finishing sequence: A crushing left body shot—set up by earlier jabs—ended the fight instantly.
- Momentum shift: Once Choi slowed Santos’ pace, the Brazilian’s offense became predictable, opening the door for the finish.
What’s Next for “The Korean Superboy”?
With three straight stoppage wins and a renewed sense of composure in the cage, Doo Ho Choi is finally operating like the elite featherweight prospect he was once projected to be. But this time, he’s doing it with veteran patience and a sharpened technical identity.
And he’s not looking to ease his way back up the ladder.
After the fight, Choi made waves by calling out former Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, one of the most decorated featherweights in MMA history. It’s an ambitious target, exactly the kind of challenge that signals Choi’s confidence in his resurgence. A matchup with Pitbull would be a high‑stakes, high‑violence clash between two explosive punchers with championship‑level experience.
Whether the UFC pursues that cross‑promotional‑style matchup or instead pairs Choi with a ranked contender inside the division, one thing is clear: The Korean Superboy is done rebuilding. He’s ready to chase legacy fights.
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Love this!
No more Korean Killer
Daniel Santos is such a humble guy. Joo’s fight made me really root for Santos.