‘Cosmetic Apprentice’ Choi Seung-guk “I must fight with Chan-sung hyung in the UFC!”
Choi Seung-guk (27, Korean Zombie MMA), who dreams of entering the UFC, an American mixed martial arts (MMA) group, always wanted to stand on the same stage as his “teacher,” Jeong Chan-seong (36).
The UFC event to be held next month was an opportunity to realize his dream. Choi Seung-guk defeated Rama Spandi (Indonesia) in the flyweight quarterfinals of the ‘Road to UFC’ competition, where a UFC contract is at stake in June, and won a decision victory against Chiuruan (China) in the semifinals. Originally, Choi Seung-guk’s final was scheduled to be included as one of the cards in the Korean tournament in February. However, the event was canceled due to Jeong Chan-sung, who was expected to be the main eventer, suffering a shoulder injury, and eventually the venue was changed to Las Vegas, USA.
In a recent phone call with Ilgan Sports, Choi Seung-guk said, “It’s regrettable (the cancellation of the match), but in a way, it seems to have worked out well. If Chansung’s older brother goes to the game, he can’t be helped. (In other competitions, Jung Chan-sung) I am now able to look after and take care of the second. He said, “I want to win this match and go to the same stage (UFC).”
The fact that the Korean tournament was canceled is also a regrettable part for him. Choi Seung-guk said, “It was convenient because I didn’t have to worry about food and jet lag in Korea, but it’s a pity. Also, it is regrettable that the opportunity for martial arts to receive the spotlight has disappeared,” he said, “but I am still focusing on the current situation.” 메이저사이트
Choi Seung-guk will face Park Hyun-seong (28, Kim Kyung-pyo) in the road to UFC final at the UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak, which will be held at UFC Apex on the 5th of next month (Korean time). The winning fighter gets a spot in the UFC. Although neither of them are official UFC fighters, this match is expected to be the first fight between Korean fighters in the Octagon. Choi Seung-guk said, “I don’t attach much importance to it. He is only thinking of a UFC contract. No matter who we fight, the contract comes first.”
Choi Seung-guk, who made his professional debut in 2018, accumulated a record of 6 wins and 1 loss. His opponent, Park Hyeon-seong, is also formidable. He is also regarded as one of the strongest MMA flyweight champions in Korea. He is an ‘all-round player’ who is equally good at batting and ground fighting. His record is 7 wins and undefeated.
Choi Seung-guk said, “Park Hyeon-seong is an athlete geared towards MMA. He’s good at both hitting and grounding. His physical condition is also good for a flyweight. (His opponent’s history) is not burdensome. He is preparing well because he is a good player,” he said. You will have an advantage in all areas. He is making training as hard as that, and Chansung hyung is also good at planning strategies.”
Choi Seung-guk, who bullies opponents with his main weapon, wrestling, is said to have a similar style to top UFC fighters such as Colby Covington (USA) and Alexander Volkanovski (Australia). “They are all my favorite players,” he said. He has good stamina and runs the game with integrity. I am practicing by referring to Volkanovski and Khabib Nurmagomedov.”
Choi Seung-guk expressed his gratitude to Jeong Chan-sung, who raised him as a professional player. He said, “Last year, I tried to quit sports. When Chansung was in the US to help his older brother with a title fight, he received an offer from the road to UFC. It would have been regrettable if he had stopped exercising. I am grateful to Chansung (who held him back from retirement) hyung.”