Legendary former UFC champion Vitor Belfort was scheduled to make what he said would be his final walk to the Octagon against Uriah Hall in the co-main event of tomorrow night’s (Jan. 14, 2018) UFC Fight Night 124 from St. Louis, Missouri. Earlier today (Jan. 13, 2018), however, the bout was scrapped after Hall experienced […]
Legendary former UFC champion Vitor Belfort was scheduled to make what he said would be his final walk to the Octagon against Uriah Hall in the co-main event of tomorrow night’s (Jan. 14, 2018) UFC Fight Night 124 from St. Louis, Missouri.
Earlier today (Jan. 13, 2018), however, the bout was scrapped after Hall experienced weight-cutting issues.
Belfort then took to his official Instagram account to react to the situation, sending his well wishes to Hall:
The UFC will kick off 2018 with a free fight card, as UFC Fight Night 124 is set to take place tomorrow (Jan. 14, 2017) live on FOX Sports 1 from St. Louis, Missouri. In the main event, featherweight contenders Jeremy Stephens and Doo Ho Choi will square off in a five-round affair. The co-main […]
The UFC will kick off 2018 with a free fight card, as UFC Fight Night 124 is set to take place tomorrow (Jan. 14, 2017) live on FOX Sports 1 from St. Louis, Missouri.
In the main event, featherweight contenders Jeremy Stephens and Doo Ho Choi will square off in a five-round affair.
The co-main event will feature a flyweight tilt between Paige VanZant and Jessica Rose-Clark, while welterweight contenders Kamaru Usman and Emil Meek are set to do battle on the main card as well.
Without further ado, here’s a look at our UFC Fight Night 124 preview, breakdown, and analysis:
Jeremy Stephens vs. Doo Ho Choi
This main event will feature two featherweight contenders looking to continue rising up the 145-pound ranks.
Stephens, currently ranked No. 9, is a very experienced fighter, holding a 26-14 professional record through 40 fights. He has, however, lost two of his last three, although he’s coming off of a win over Gilbert Melendez.
Stylistically, Stephens is an aggressive and powerful fighter. He has a strong right hand and legitimate finishing ability, as 16 of his 26 wins have come by T/KO.
Rarely taking a step backward, Stephens likes to pressure his opponents, and he’s never shied away from a brawl. He has, however, gotten a bit more technical with his striking in recent years.
As far as the grappling department goes, “Lil’ Heathen” isn’t known for his submissions, but he does have an underrated wrestling game. I’m not sure we’ll see him shoot for many takedowns in this bout, but it could be a possibility.
Choi, on the other hand, holds an impressive professional record of 14-2 and is coming off of a loss to Cub Swanson in one of 2016’s best fights.
Like Stephens, Choi is a dangerous striker with fight-ending power, as 11 of his 14 victories have come by way of T/KO. He also likes to move forward, although he uses incredible timing to land counter shots as well. In addition, Choi is likely the faster puncher, while also being well-versed in the clinch.
In regards to the grappling department, Choi’s wrestling is a bit underrated as well, although he isn’t known much for his submissions either. He does, however, have solid defensive skills off of his back.
Ultimately, I see this fight playing out on the feet, and if that’s the case, anything can happen with two talented strikers like Stephens and Choi. In my opinion, however, Stephens’ pressure and Choi’s defense will be the x-factors. Although he landed some big shots of his own in his bout against Swanson, Choi showed that he was hittable.
If Stephens can inflict a fast pace and keep the pressure high, he may find opportunities to land powerful strikes. I’m not sure he’ll find the finish, but I see him scoring a closely fought victory.
Prediction: Jeremy Stephens def. Doo Ho Choi via unanimous decision
Ring rust? Doo Ho Choi hasn’t heard of it. Tomorrow night (Jan. 14), Choi will take on Jeremy Stephens in a featherweight tilt. The bout will headline UFC Fight Night 114. The action takes place inside the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri….
Ring rust? Doo Ho Choi hasn’t heard of it. Tomorrow night (Jan. 14), Choi will take on Jeremy Stephens in a featherweight tilt. The bout will headline UFC Fight Night 114. The action takes place inside the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Choi hasn’t seen action since Dec. 2016. That’s because he’s been out […]
Uriah Hall and Vitor Belfort will no longer be competing tomorrow night (Jan. 14). Hall and Belfort were set to do battle inside the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The middleweight tilt was going to headline UFC Fight Night 124. Plans changed…
Uriah Hall and Vitor Belfort will no longer be competing tomorrow night (Jan. 14). Hall and Belfort were set to do battle inside the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The middleweight tilt was going to headline UFC Fight Night 124. Plans changed when Hall was forced off the card. After Belfort tipped the scales […]
For Paige VanZant, the UFC’s decision to create a flyweight division was one that she hopes leads to much success. VanZant makes her debut in her new weight class this Sunday night at UFC Fight Night 124 when she faces off against Jessy-Rose Clar…
For Paige VanZant, the UFC’s decision to create a flyweight division was one that she hopes leads to much success. VanZant makes her debut in her new weight class this Sunday night at UFC Fight Night 124 when she faces off against Jessy-Rose Clark from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. “I’m going to be […]
Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 124 event has lost a bout, as Zak Cummings was forced out with an injury Friday night. Cummings was expected to meet Thiago Alves in a fight scheduled to air on FOX Sports 1 as part of the prelims. Due to the event being …
Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 124 event has lost a bout, as Zak Cummings was forced out with an injury Friday night. Cummings was expected to meet Thiago Alves in a fight scheduled to air on FOX Sports 1 as part of the prelims. Due to the event being in two days, no replacement will be […]