Doo Ho Choi’s three-fight winning streak comes to an end as former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull scores a first-round stoppage and immediately targets Jean Silva.
Doo Ho Choi’s three-fight winning streak came to a sudden end at UFC 331, as former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull stopped the “Korean Superboy” in the opening round at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The matchup was one Choi had specifically pursued, but Pitbull ultimately made the most of the opportunity. A powerful right hand badly hurt Choi before a series of follow-up strikes brought the fight to an end at 3:28 of Round 1.
For Pitbull, the performance represented his first knockout victory since joining the UFC and a much-needed turnaround following an uneven beginning to his run with the promotion. For Choi, it halted the momentum he had built during his latest UFC resurgence.
Choi Gets the Fight He Asked For
The matchup carried an interesting backstory because Choi had actively called for the former Bellator featherweight champion.
Choi entered UFC 331 riding three consecutive finishes and looking to continue a career resurgence that had put him back into the featherweight conversation. Pitbull, meanwhile, arrived with considerably more championship experience but had yet to produce the type of UFC performance that defined much of his career before joining the promotion.
Once the cage door closed, however, Pitbull quickly showed why Choi’s callout carried considerable risk.
Pitbull Finds the Opening
The two veterans began by exchanging on the feet, with Pitbull mixing attacks to the body and head while Choi looked to establish his own offense.
Pitbull eventually found the opening he needed.
A hard right hand connected cleanly and visibly rocked Choi. Pitbull immediately recognized the damage and rushed forward, unloading additional punches as Choi attempted to cover up.
Referee Mike Beltran stepped in at 3:28 of the opening round, giving Pitbull the first-round stoppage.
It was a difficult ending for Choi, who had entered the matchup on one of the strongest runs of his UFC career.
Pitbull Says It Felt Like His UFC Debut
The victory carried significant emotion for Pitbull.
Following the stoppage, the Brazilian dropped to his knees in celebration. He later acknowledged that his adjustment to the UFC had been difficult and described the victory over Choi as feeling more like his true promotional debut.
Pitbull also apologized for his previous three UFC performances and said he finally felt comfortable competing inside the Octagon.
The former Bellator champion also discussed the role his children played in his mindset entering the fight. According to Pitbull, his children had encouraged him after previous losses to attack rather than hesitate, something he remembered when Choi was hurt.
From Choi to Jean Silva
Pitbull didn’t wait long to identify what he wants next.
After defeating one of Korea’s most recognizable UFC fighters, the Brazilian turned his attention toward Jean Silva.
Pitbull called out the fellow Brazilian featherweight following the victory, setting up a potential matchup between two fighters known for aggressive finishing ability.
Whether the UFC moves forward with the matchup remains to be seen, but the Choi victory gives Pitbull a dramatically different result to build from after his first three appearances in the promotion.
A Difficult Reset for Doo Ho Choi
For Choi, UFC 331 represents a setback after a run that had revived his career.
The Korean veteran had worked his way back from years of injuries and inactivity and entered the Pitbull fight with three consecutive stoppage victories. A win over a former two-division Bellator champion would have added another significant name to that comeback.
Instead, Choi was stopped for the first time during his latest run.
At 35 years old, the loss does not erase the progress Choi made during his return, but it does bring his three-fight winning streak to an abrupt end.
Pitbull, meanwhile, leaves Los Angeles with the statement performance he had been searching for since arriving in the UFC—and with Jean Silva now firmly in his sights.
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