Choi Seung Woo put together a run of five knockouts in his first eight fights in a spell that clinched him the Top FC featherweight title. His performances earned him a UFC contract and after a rocky start of two straight losses, he now finds himself riding on a two fight winning streak.
The talented striker returns to action this weekend to take on Julian Erosa at UFC Vegas 29. Having seen three bouts fall through due to injuries to either him or his opponent Choi has not been as active as he would have liked, missing all of 2020.
But coming off decision wins over Suman Mokhtarian at UFC Busan and Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 18 he does have some momentum heading into this weekend’s contest,
“My last two performances obviously I have stuff to improve on but I got my hand raised and I came out injury free. I put on some good performances and I’m looking forward to moving up the rankings of the UFC and hopefully be able to get a title shot one day,” added Choi.
Tough opponent
Erosa is much more experienced and Choi knows that a real test awaits him at UFC Vegas 29,
“Julian is a tough opponent,” Choi told Asianmma.com.
“He’s strong physically, he’s athletic. I’ve been preparing for him well and I think I match up with him well stylistically and I’m looking to put on a really exciting performance,” he added.
Erosa is coming off back to back UFC wins too but Choi doesn’t feel his recent opponents have put the American under enough pressure,
“Julian has been a good hammer, but he hasn’t been a good nail. He’s fought a lot of guys and he’s put them away, but I feel like once I put the pressure on him and once I push the pace I’ll be able to get him,” said Choi.
Bringing the heat
Choi was able to turn things around after a rocky start to his UFC career and believes he has evolved as a fighter,
“The losses I’ve had I’ve learned so much from them. I’ve studied tape and I feel like I’ve improved as a fighter just in a short time span so I think those losses are going to serve me well in the future in terms of improving as a fighter,” he said.
The Korean may have found a way to win in the octagon in recent fights, but it’s been a long while since he last scored a win by stoppage. His last knockout came on a Top FC card in 2017,
“I think it’s been a while since I’ve had my last finish, but this is definitely the fight for me to get my first KO (in the UFC). And every fight I go in there and look to bring the heat, so hopefully it happens this time around,” he said.
Big month
June looks set to be a big month for Korean featherweights with Choi one of three in octagon action. Chang Sung Jung faces Dan Ige in the main event this weekend while Do-Ho Choi makes his comeback at UFC Vegas 33, taking on Danny Chavez.
Choi is a fan of both fighters and has been following their careers for several years,
“You mentioned some really key names that a lot of fans know. I watched them before I was in the UFC. I think all of us are working hard to put Korea on the map,” said Choi.
He would love to soo ‘The Korean Zombie’ go on to win the featherweight title and hopes to be in the mix himself one day,
“I think if Zombie puts on an exciting performance this fight, rebounds from that loss and maybe has one or two more wins he obviously has the best chance at becoming the first Korean champion. Along the way, I’ll be working just as hard and hopefully I’ll be in that picture soon as well.”
Future fight
To do that Choi will need to extend his winning streak this weekend. The 28 year old is confident of doing so that he is already looking at potential opponents for the fight after,
“Gigi (Chikadze) is a real big up and comer. I’m looking forward to this next fight. Hopefully I get a finish and Gigi is definitely someone that’s on my radar.”
