The UFC’s featherweight division is set to start with a bang in 2018 after the promotion confirmed that hard-hitting contenders Doo Ho Choi and Jeremy Stephens will meet in the main event of the UFC’s trip to St. Louis on January 14th next.
The bout had been confirmed in recent weeks but has been upgraded to main event status. The move was revealed during the UFC’s broadcast in Winnipeg on Saturday night.
Stephens, a ten year veteran of the UFC, snapped a two-fight losing streak in September with a unanimous decision victory against Gilbert Melendez at UFC 215 to bring his professional record to 26-14.
As for South Korea’s Choi, this will be the his first Octagon appearance since a Fight of the Year candidate against Cub Swanson a year ago. While it was Swanson who was awarded the decision by the judges, Choi’s reputation was enhanced considerably throughout the three round war.
The loss against Swanson was Choi’s first since 2010 and the only blemish on a UFC ledger which shows wins against Thiago Tavares, Sam Sicilia and Juan Puig. Each of those victories came by way of first round knockout.
It has also been confirmed that the rescheduled bout between Emil Meek and Kamaru Usman will take place at the event.
UFC St. Louis (or UFC Fight Night 124) will come to you from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., on January 14th.
The card will also feature Uriah Hall vs. Vitor Belfort, Darren Elkins vs. Michael Johnson and Paige VanZant vs. Jessica Rose-Clark.
