Fighters ready for ROAD FC 027 in China

Choi Hong-man walks to the press conference room at the Road FC Apgujeong Gym in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap

By Baek Byung-yeul

Korean mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters expressed their readiness Thursday prior to the Chinese event of ROAD FC, Korea’s largest MMA organization.

Sponsored by Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, the event will take place at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, Dec. 26.

At the event, the quarterfinals of the very first Openweight (no weight limit) Tournament will be held, as well as matches with Korean fighters Choi Mu-Bae, Kim Jae-hun, Myung Hyun-man, 17-year-old newcomer Nam Ye-hyun and Korean MMA superstar “Techno Goliath” Choi Hong-man.

Former ssireum (Korean wrestling) star Choi Hong-man, 35, said he has prepared heavily for his match against 19-year-old rookie fighter Luo Quanahao of China.

“I take the China event as a great opportunity for me,” Choi told reporters at the ROAD FC Gym in Apgujeong, southern Seoul, Thursday. “I have prepared well for this match as I think there should be a good return after preparing hard.”

The 2.17-meter giant has been embroiled in scandal for allegedly not paying back over 100 million won to his acquaintances. Prior to taking part in the media day, prosecutors asked a court to sentence him to two years’ probation.

When asked about the case, Choi said, “There is nothing to say… Frankly, I’ll be glad when this year is over.” Choi’s final appeal will be held, Jan. 14.

Choi Mu-bae, 45, who will have a rematch with American fighter Mighty Mo, pledged vengeance in the heavyweight match.

“I was supposed to have a match with him again next February, but it was moved back to December,” Choi said. “Though the time approaches faster than I expected, I think the odds are in my favor if I stay calm.” Choi lost to Mo in ROAD FC 026 in 37 seconds.

17-year-old-high school student Nam Ye-hyun also said she will do her best against China’s Yan Xiaonan in her debut match.

“As I recently had surgery on my ankle, I thought I couldn’t take part in the competition. I will do my best,” Nam said. Still in high school, Nam is known for practicing to become a MMA fighter with help from her father who runs an MMA gym.

Additionally, Kim Jae-hun will face China’s 140-kilogram MMA prodigy Aorigele, and kickboxer-turned-MMA fighter Myung Hyun-man will fight China's towering Liang Lingyu.

The Shanghai event will be ROAD FC’s second international competition, following its Tokyo event last July.

Given that the Tokyo event garnered some 7,000 spectators, which was 5,000 more than they expected, ROAD FC said the Shanghai event will be an opportunity to expand their overseas presence.

“ROAD FC 027 in China will be the largest MMA event in China,” the organization said. “As the event will take place at the end of the year and the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center has a capacity of 18,000 seats, ROAD FC is gaining national attention.”

The organization added the event will be broadcast live by China Central Television (CCTV).