UFC featherweight Doo-Ho Choi is set on returning to the Octagon in 2019. The South Korean featherweight had been expected to begin his military service but that plan is on hold, at least for the time being.
In an interview with SPOTV this month Choi spoke about his current status and future plans.
“Currently, I am continuing my normal training regimen. Although I do not have a date for my return, I want to get back in the cage as soon as possible,” he said.
The 27 year old shot to stardom after making his promotional debut in 2014, going on to finish his first three opponents via spectacular knockout.
This momentum led to a huge step up in competition at UFC 206 against Cub Swanson. Despite dropping a unanimous decision after three violent rounds, the fight was etched into the history books as one of the best of 2016.
Subsequently, ‘The Korean Superboy’ sat on the sidelines for 13 months recovering from the damage he took in Toronto and an injury suffered mid year. Choi then returned to headline UFC Fight Night 124 against Jeremy Stephens and had his hype train completely derailed via second round knockout.
The Team MAD representative was scheduled to start his mandatory military service after that loss and has not fought since January. However his application for military service was not accepted meaning he is free to fight in 2019.
“This year, there were too many applicants (for the military program) so most of them were not accepted. I plan on fighting one time in 2019 and reapplying,” Choi said.
Choi’s record currently stands at 14-3 while he is 3-2 inside the Octagon. He made his name fighting for Deep in Japan, establishing himself as the best 145lber on the roster before being snapped up by the UFC in 2014.
