Choi Doo-Ho sets sights on dethroning Conor McGregor, becoming first Asian world champ

‘The Korean Superboy’ Choi Doo-Ho has been on a bit of a tear since making his debut with the UFC in late 2014. In his first Octagon appearance, Choi knocked out Juan Puig in just 18 seconds at ‘UFC Fight Night: Austin’, leaving fight fans in awe of his lightning quick striking.

Unfortunately, it was an entire year before Choi returned to the Octagon. When he did however, it was in front of a hometown crowd at ‘UFC Fight Night: Seoul’, where he picked up yet another impressive KO win, this time in 1 minute and 33 seconds over Sam Sicilia, earning himself a performance of the night bonus in the process.

Most recently, Choi stepped into the Octagon against MMA veteran Thiago Tavares at ‘The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Claudia’ finale back in July. It took just 2 minutes and 42 seconds for ‘The Korean Superboy’ to KO Tavares, and earn himself a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus.

Now, ahead of his highly anticipated UFC 206 matchup with #5 ranked featherweight Cub Swanson, Choi has his sights set on dethroning UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor and becoming the first Asian UFC world champion.

He spoke to SCMP:

“It’s what everyone is talking about and what everyone wants to know about,” says Choi. “I want to be the UFC’s first Asian world champion and if that means I have to fight Conor McGregor, then that’s what I will have to do.”

“I will be ready if that happens, as I always am. He’s a great fighter. Like me, he is a real student of mixed martial arts, but I am confident I can beat anyone. Look at the tapes and you’ll know that’s true,”

“I think my success is more about my philosophy than just simply technique,” says Choi. “There are many great fighters around the world but you have to study this sport as hard as a doctor studies his career.”

“That makes the difference. You can see than in Conor McGregor, too, just as you can in me. We are different personalities, but we have the same philosophy.”

“I hit hard and people can’t handle it. Simple. My coach says I am simple to train – if I hit them with my right hand, I’ll knock them out.”