Doo Ho Choi survives early storm. The co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Costa featured an exciting featherweight matchup as fan favourite Doo Ho Choi faced dangerous Brazilian striker Daniel Santos on May 16, 2026, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Doo Ho Choi entered this fight rebuilding momentum after a long journey of highs, setbacks, and comebacks. Choi’s most notable recent victory came against veteran Nate Landwehr at UFC 310. where he earned a third-round TKO after a dominant performance filled with pressure, grappling improvements, and damaging ground-and-pound. Before that, Choi picked up a second-round knockout win Bill Algeo showing his striking power was still very much alive. These wins helped Choi regain confidence and re-enter conversations as a dangerous featherweight threat.
Daniel Santos entered UFC Vegas 117 as one of the division’s quietly dangerous momentum fighters. Known for aggressive Muay Thai striking and pressure-based fighting, Santos had built a strong winning run inside. Santos most recently defeated Joo Sang Yoo via second-round TKO. The stoppage win showcased Santos’ pressure and striking power, as he broke Yoo down and extended his winning streak with another finish.
Before that, Santos earned a unanimous decision victory at UFC 320 over fellow South Korean Jeong Yeong Lee. Santos had been steadily climbing the featherweight ladder with a balanced mix of stoppages and composed decision wins, making him a legitimate threat heading into the biggest fight of his UFC career.
The fight started and Santos came out aggressively, immediately putting pressure on Choi with forward movement and quick combinations. Santos had his way and mixed punches and kicks well while constantly moving forward, making it difficult for Choi to settle into his rhythm. Santos controlled most of the early exchanges with pressure and activity, while Choi mainly looked to stay composed and pick his spots.
Round two began and Choi came out stronger and aggressive. He looked much more comfortable in the second round.
After surviving Santos’ early pressure, the Korean Superboy started finding his range with cleaner boxing and sharper timing. As the round progressed, Santos began to slow down, allowing Choi to take over the striking exchanges. As Choi sensed the momentum shift, he capitalised in brutal fashion. He landed a vicious body shot that folded Santos and sent him crashing down in pain. Santos had no answer, forcing the referee to wave off the fight and award Choi the stoppage victory.
Santos looked sharp early and controlled the opening frame, but once his pace dipped, Choi took over and delivered one of the nastiest body-shot finishes of the night. It was another statement win for “The Korean Superboy,” who now appears to be building serious momentum again in the featherweight division.
Check out UFC Vegas 117 results below.
Main card
Arnold Allen def. Melquizael Costa via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
Doo Ho Choi def. Daniel Santos via TKO – Round 2, 4:29
Juan Diaz def. Malcolm Wellmaker via submission (RNC) – Round 2, 4:08
Modestas Bukauskas def. Christian Edwards via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bernando Sopaj def. Timothy Cumaba via submission (RNC) – Round 2, 2:25
Khaos Williams def. Nikolay Veretennikov via TKO – Round 1, 3:31
Prelims
Ivan Erslan def. Tuco Tokkos via decision (29-28 x3)
Tommy Gantt def. Artur Minev via TKO – Round 2, 2:51
Ketlen Vieira def. Jacqueline Cavalcanti via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Cody Brundage def. Andre Petroski via TKO – Round 2, 0:44
Alice Ardelean def. Pollyanna Viana via submission (capsule lock) – Round 2, 4:36
