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Doo Ho Choi, famously known as "The Korean Superboy," captured the hearts of fans once again with his emotional comeback victory at UFC Vegas 94. After years of setbacks and doubts, Choi's perseverance paid off stunningly.
The last time Choi experienced the thrill of victory inside the octagon was back in 2016 when he delivered a swift knockout to Thiago Tavares. That win set the stage for his unforgettable battle with Cub Swanson at UFC 206, a fight that would go down in history. However, the road since then has been anything but smooth. A string of losses, mandatory military service in South Korea, and an extended period of inactivity kept him away from the winner's circle for far too long.
But on this fateful Saturday, Choi silenced the doubters. He faced Bill Algeo in a grueling match that culminated in a dramatic second-round knockout. As the referee raised his hand in victory, Choi's emotions overflowed. Speaking to the media backstage at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, he shared the depth of his feelings.
"I got emotional because this win was a long time coming," Choi confessed through a Korean translator. "It’s been a while since I won, and the last time it didn’t go very well. I heard all the haters, all the people saying I’m done and can’t do it anymore. It started to affect me. I began to doubt myself."
Choi's journey is one of resilience and unwavering self-belief. Despite the setbacks, he never lost faith in his abilities.
"I kept faith in myself and I had to prove it to myself, and I proved it to myself tonight," he said, his voice filled with both relief and pride.
Choi's UFC debut in 2014 was spectacular, with an 18-second knockout of Juan Manuel Puig. This win, along with his subsequent victories, cemented his status as a rising star. However, after his epic clash with Swanson, Choi faced two more losses and then had to fulfill his two-year mandatory military service.
Returning to the octagon in February 2023, Choi fought Kyle Nelson to a majority draw, hindered by a point deduction for a head butt. Despite this, Choi remained optimistic and focused on his goal.
"I know this is the one thing that I’m good at," Choi reflected. "If I try my best and leave it all out there and if it doesn’t go my way, then I can accept that maybe I don’t have it. But I kept believing in myself and trying, and I got it done."
Adding to the significance of his victory was the presence of the legendary "Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung in his corner. Although not officially part of Jung's team, Choi considers him a mentor and greatly values his support.
“I’m very thankful for ‘Zombie’ because he puts into my fights the amount of effort that he put into his past title fights,” Choi said, expressing his gratitude. “That’s the amount of care that he puts into my camps.”
Choi's triumphant return at UFC Vegas 94 is not just a win on the record books; it's a testament to his resilience and determination. As fans celebrate his victory, they are reminded of the relentless spirit that defines "The Korean Superboy."
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