Nate Landwehr and Dooho Choi, UFC 310 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
Featherweights Nate Landwehr and Choi Doo-ho kicked off the main card of UFC 310 on Saturday in a matchup that had fans expecting an explosive 15-minute bout.
Choi was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame thanks to his classic 2016 fight with Cub Swanson, but his career was derailed to some degree by mandatory military service in his native South Korea, not to mention the coronavirus pandemic. Still, like Landwehr’s name, Choi’s name had an added element of excitement.
It was Choi who made the first significant attack of the match, breaking through Landwehr’s guard and landing an uppercut. An overhand right followed, followed by another blow, causing Landwehr to lose his balance and stumble. Another uppercut, a leg kick, and a jab all landed within the first minute. Choi was certainly applying pressure and Landwehr was already covered in blood. A third uppercut sent Landwehr’s head flying back.
Just under two minutes in, a clinch broke out, Nate Landwehr took a knee, and Choi was on the verge of a comeback. Choi worked slowly and methodically to get the hook in, but because he was up high, he had to be careful not to fall from above. But Mr. Landwehr ended up sitting behind Mr. Choi — at least until Mr. Choi was released shortly after.
However, it turned out that life on its feet would not be reprieved. Che ripped to the body and chopped with Landwehr’s lead leg. Landwehr made a rare connection with his right hand, only for Duho Choi to answer with a combination. There seemed to be far more toys in South Korea’s toy box.
In the second round, Nate Landwehr was once again in dire straits. He was losing on the feet and losing on the mat, but he had Choi on his back by the middle of the frame. As in the first frame, Landwehr was completely behind in all departments, leading to a must-win situation in the third frame.
Landwehr was aware of this and jumped into the start of the third round. Choi fired back, but had to be careful not to get caught in the crossfire. Clearly aware of the danger, he grabbed his leg and immediately sat in side control for a takedown. Choi Lei locked down and started hitting elbows. Landwehr, already exhausted after two grueling rounds, didn’t seem to have the explosiveness needed to escape. In fact, Nate Landwehr’s battle would end here. A few more elbow strikes and the referee decided enough was enough. This will be two big victories for “Korean Superboy” Choi Doo-ho in 2024.
Official result: Choi Doo-ho def. Nate Landwehr, TKO (elbow), round 3, 3:21
