TLDR
- Choi Doo-ho defeated Daniel Santos via second-round TKO at UFC Vegas 117 on May 17, 2026
- The finish came from a left hook to the body that dropped Santos and forced referee stoppage
- Choi systematically broke down Santos over two rounds with sharp boxing and body attacks
- The bout served as the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa
- The victory extended Choi’s winning streak and marked a successful UFC return
Sources: MMA Fighting | Bloody Elbow | Sherdog
South Korean featherweight Doo Ho Choi returned to the UFC with a devastating performance at UFC Vegas 117 on May 17, 2026. The fighter known as “Korean Superboy” stopped Daniel Santos with a brutal body-shot finish in the co-main event.
The fight took place at UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Choi needed less than two full rounds to finish his opponent.
Extending the win streak 🙌
DooHo Choi earns the RD2 TKO in the co-main event!
[ LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/6cQglzKt3Z
— UFC (@ufc) May 17, 2026
Systematic Breakdown Over Two Rounds
Choi displayed improved composure and fight strategy from the opening bell. He mixed sharp boxing with measured pressure throughout the first round.
The Korean veteran used jabs and counters to the head to set up his body attack. He softened Santos up with head strikes before shifting his focus to the midsection.
Santos had no answer for Choi’s tactical approach. The systematic breakdown continued into the second round as Choi increased his pressure.
Choi’s experience showed as he picked his shots carefully. He avoided rushing in and instead waited for the right opportunities to land clean strikes.
Devastating Finish in Round Two
The end came when Choi landed a clean left hook to the ribs. The punch folded Santos immediately and sent him to the canvas.
Santos writhed in pain on the mat as the referee waved off the fight. The liver shot proved too much for Santos to continue.
The stoppage was immediate with no need for follow-up strikes. Choi walked away as medical staff attended to his fallen opponent.
Social media footage of the finish quickly went viral. The UFC on Paramount+ account posted video of the knockout with the caption “NASTY BODY SHOT BY THE KOREAN SUPERBOY.”
The victory extended Choi’s winning streak in the featherweight division. He now positions himself as a resurgent contender at 145 pounds.
Choi’s performance showcased his evolution as a fighter. The veteran displayed patience and technical skill beyond his earlier career appearances.
The body-shot finish marked Choi’s latest Octagon highlight. He has built a reputation for exciting finishes throughout his UFC tenure.
Santos could not recover from the perfectly placed liver shot. The strike targeted one of the most painful areas a fighter can be hit.
Choi celebrated his return to the win column with the impressive stoppage. The co-main event slot gave him a platform to showcase his skills to a wide audience.
The Korean featherweight proved he still has the power and precision that earned him his nickname. His body work throughout the fight set up the eventual finish.
Choi’s striking accuracy was on full display at UFC Vegas 117. He landed clean shots while avoiding significant damage from Santos.
The fight ended at an undisclosed time in the second round. Santos was unable to continue after the devastating body shot landed flush on his ribs.
