On a bright morning in Las Vegas, the Octagon at Meta Apex pulsed with anticipation as Korea’s own Choi Doo-ho, the “Korean Superboy,” made his long-awaited UFC return after a 1 year and 5 months hiatus. The stakes couldn’t have been higher: not only was Choi aiming for his third consecutive UFC victory, but he was also determined to erase the sting of the “Korean Killer” nickname that Daniel Santos had earned by toppling Korean fighters Lee Jung-young and Yoo Joo-sang in 2025. The co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Costa delivered all the drama and fireworks fans could hope for.
Choi’s journey back to the cage was anything but straightforward. After back-to-back wins over Bill Algeo in July 2024 and Nate Landwehr in December 2024, Choi seemed poised for a breakout run. Yet, a knee injury and a string of canceled bouts kept him sidelined, stretching his absence to nearly a year and a half. During that time, he trained relentlessly, refining his skills under the guidance of former UFC title challenger Jung Chan-sung and developing new techniques he promised to unveil on fight night. “I made a lot of new weapons during the break, and I’ll show them in this fight,” Choi declared confidently before the bout.
His opponent, Daniel Santos, entered the contest with swagger and a reputation as a Korean nemesis. After dispatching Lee Jung-young and Yoo Joo-sang in 2025, Santos wasn’t shy about his ambitions, even posting on social media, “Next is who?” alongside images of his Korean conquests. Santos, representing the famed Brazilian Shootbox team known for its gritty, aggressive style, made no secret of his game plan: “Everyone expects a rough fight, and I’ll fight rough. That’s the Shootbox spirit. I’ll fight fiercely for two rounds and aim for a KO in the third.”
The pre-fight build-up was electric. Both fighters made weight at the official weigh-in on May 16, 2026—Choi tipping the scales at 66.2 kg (146 pounds), Santos at 65.8 kg. After a respectful handshake and tense face-off, the stage was set. The Korean MMA community watched with bated breath, especially as recent months had seen a string of setbacks for Korean fighters, including injuries and missed opportunities. Choi, the most senior Korean UFC fighter at 35 and a UFC Hall of Fame inductee, felt the weight of responsibility. “As the most well-known Korean UFC fighter, I have a duty,” he said. “I will erase the ‘Korean Killer’ name.”
From the opening bell, the fight was a whirlwind. Santos came out swinging, launching a barrage of body kicks, high kicks, and overhand punches. Choi tried to answer with calf kicks and jabs, but Santos’ relentless pressure pushed him to the limit. In the middle of the first round, Choi’s guard was breached, resulting in a cut on his nose and a wobble in his step. Santos capitalized, securing a takedown and dominating the round with aggression and control. “The first round was Santos’ round, no question about it,” one commentator noted.
But Choi was far from finished. As the second round began, it was clear he had found his rhythm. With constant movement and improved defense, he began landing jabs and hooks, chipping away at Santos’ energy. After three minutes, a sharp jab followed by a heavy hook rattled Santos. His attempts at another takedown were thwarted, and Choi pressed forward, sensing the momentum shift. “I didn’t realize his pace had dropped in the second round. I just fought as I had prepared,” Choi later reflected.
With just over 30 seconds left in the round, the tide turned dramatically. Choi drove Santos into the cage and unleashed a flurry of body shots—left and right—crumpling the Brazilian to the canvas. The referee wasted no time stepping in, declaring a TKO victory for Choi at 4 minutes and 29 seconds of the second round. The crowd erupted. Not only had Choi secured his third straight UFC win, improving his record to 17 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, but he had also delivered Santos his first KO defeat in the UFC.
Choi’s post-fight interview was laced with relief and renewed ambition. “The opponent was so tough that I didn’t realize his pace had dropped. I just executed the game plan I’d prepared,” he said. But Choi’s sights were already set on the future. “I definitely want to fight Pitbull,” he announced, referencing UFC featherweight number 15 Patricio Pitbull. “If I beat Pitbull, I can look forward to entering the rankings.”
For Korean MMA fans, the victory was especially sweet. Choi’s win not only avenged his compatriots’ losses but also restored pride to a community hungry for success. The “Korean Superboy” had returned, proving that even after more than a decade in the UFC, he remains a force to be reckoned with. “I’m not young anymore, but I feel stronger and more competitive,” Choi had said before the fight, and he backed up every word inside the cage.
Santos, for his part, fought valiantly. His early dominance and trademark aggression were on full display, but he ultimately faltered under Choi’s relentless pressure and tactical adjustments. The loss snapped his streak and stripped him of the “Korean Killer” aura—at least for now.
As the dust settled in Las Vegas, attention shifted to the main event between Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa, both of whom had made weight at 66 kg. But for many, the night belonged to Choi Doo-ho. His dramatic comeback, strategic brilliance, and heartfelt determination offered a stirring reminder of why fight fans around the world still believe in the “Korean Superboy.”
Broadcast live on tvN SPORTS and TVING, the fight captivated audiences in Korea and beyond. With his eyes now on the top 15 and a possible showdown with Patricio Pitbull, Choi Doo-ho’s resurgence is one of the most compelling stories in MMA this year. The Octagon awaits his next move, but for now, Korean fans can savor a much-needed triumph—and the end of the “Korean Killer” era.