- George Chung
- Jul 19, 2024
- 2 min read
It was the best of times and it was the worst of times for SeungWoo Choi at the UFC.. And it all happened over the course of three short years.
The best: three consecutive wins starting in 2019 had created a buzz around “Sting.” Those wins, including a first-round TKO of Julian Erosa, rightly heralded him as a featherweight to watch.
The worst: the win streak was followed by three consecutive losses. He was choked out by veteran Alex Caceres, knocked out by Mike Trizano, and came up short on the scorecards in a close split decision to Josh Culibao.
A skid like that could dishearten the best of us, but the Gangneung, South Korea native just isn’t built like that. He was disappointed, but he knew he had the goods. And he went back to work.
“I am always grateful to be able to compete on this world-caliber stage with the UFC,” he says via interpreter. “I’ve grown more internally. I’m becoming stronger by overcoming the burdens and the pressure every time. I’m growing now.”
That growth in the gym got him back into the win column; a hard-fought unanimous nod over Jarno Errens last August at UFC Singapore. That event was the curtain call for “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung, who Choi had been training with to right the ship. The wisdom and experience of TKZ rubbed off—and continues to rub off—on Choi.
Most importantly, he didn’t rush. More than nine months elapsed between bouts.
It sure beats getting punched in the face. But when it comes to fighting, Choi still has plenty he wants to prove to himself. At age 31, he feels like his prime is approaching. Like his last win, Choi took his time. It will have been nearly 11 months outside the Octagon when he steps in to face Steve Garcia Saturday at UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba.
“This camp was perfect,” he says. “I feel so good because I am well-prepared this time…in terms of physical conditioning, mental conditioning, and strategy. I prepared well.”
Don't miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs. Jandiroba, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prelims start at 5pm ET/2pm PT, while the main card kicks off live on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
