Dooho Choi, the South Korean mixed martial artist, is making waves once again in the MMA world. After almost a five-year hiatus due to mandatory military service, he is back in the octagon and looking to reclaim his place among the top contenders in the UFC featherweight division. His last significant payday, which included a coveted $50,000 post-fight bonus, was a distant memory as he dedicated two years to serving his country. However, 2023 marks a pivotal year for Choi as he embarks on a journey to secure his financial future in the sport he loves.
Choi’s most recent fights have not gone as he hoped. With a record of 15-4-1 in MMA and 4-3-1 in the UFC, he finds himself at a crossroads. Though his last couple of fights did not yield any bonuses, the drive to entertain and win keeps him motivated. Choi maintains that the spark of excitement is best ignited through high-octane confrontations with his opponents. As he steps into the cage for UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena, he faces Nate Landwehr, a matchup that promises to be a test of his skills and stamina—and a chance to reignite his streak of fan-favorite performances.
Choi reflected on the challenges he faced during his military service. The grind of training and competition was replaced with discipline and duty, yet his passion for fighting never waned. He expresses a profound yearning for the fervor and intensity of the octagon. Speaking at UFC 310’s media day, Choi elaborated on his sentiments: “In my last two fights, I didn’t really have the opportunity for a banger fight. Against Nate, I intend to deliver an exhilarating display for the fans.” This statement underscores his understanding of what entertainment means in the context of UFC’s high-stakes matches.
Dooho Choi’s past performances have illustrated a key aspect of his fighting style—he thrives in bouts that are as much about skill as they are about a shared ferocity. The previous post-fight bonuses he received, especially those awarded for “Fight of the Night,” highlight the necessity of engaging opponents who are willing to stand toe-to-toe. In his interactions, it’s clear that Choi enjoys the fireworks that come with aggressive partnerships in the cage, which he fully believes will lead to better outcomes both for himself and for the fans.
As he prepares for his upcoming bout with Landwehr, Choi’s anticipation is palpable. He understands what is at stake—not only a potential financial reward but also the chance to stake his claim as a fighter who can captivate an audience. “I love his aggressiveness,” he stated, highlighting an expectation of an explosive showdown. All eyes will be on him as he seeks to transform his ambitions into action, striving to earn back the accolades and bonuses that were once routine in his career. Should he prevail, it will signify not only a personal victory but also a triumphant return to the world of mixed martial arts.