Dynamite!!: Choi vs CroCop
書かれた Monty DiPietro

TOKYO, December 18, 2008 -- It was announced today that Hong-Man Choi will fight Mirko CroCop at FieLDS Dynamite!! 2008. Set for New Year's Eve at the Saitama Super Arena, Dynamite!! is one of the most widely-viewed mixed martial arts event in the world.

"Mirko's kick won't reach me," predicted Choi, a former ssirium grand champion, who, at 218cm/7'2" will bring a 30 cm/12" height advantage to the ring. At 167kg/355lbs, Choi is also some 65 kg/125lbs heavier than CroCop.

Cardboard CroCop and Choi

Cardboard CroCop and Choi

Although Choi has size on his side, CroCop is far more experienced -- since his MMA debut in 2001, the Croatian has established himself as one of the world's best all-round fighters. Choi, meanwhile has competed just twice under MMA rules.

Cardboard CroCop and Choi

Cardboard CroCop and Choi

The Korean behemoth has however shown potential -- he fought aggressively last New Year's Eve, at "Yarennoka!", downing the elite Fedor Emelianenko and pummeling him about the face.

K-1 Event Producer Sadaharu Tanikawa said Choi's build and fighting style give him "high potential" in MMA and will help him against CroCop.

Hong-Man Choi

Hong-Man Choi

A smiling Hong-Man Choi told the media that although CroCop is one of his favorite fighters, he was confident of a win. "Mirko seems to be in a slump recently," said Choi, "and I have no problem fighting with him on the ground." Choi also illustrated, using a life-size cardboard CroCop, how he hoped to bring the knees up on his opponent.

Choi kneeing the Cardboard CroCop

Choi kneeing the Cardboard CroCop

On New Year's Eve however, Choi will face a flesh-and-blood CroCop. The Croatian fighter sent his comments to today's press conference: "I am happy that I was able to fight for the first DREAM event, and will finish this year fighting on New Years Eve. I heard that the theme of the event is 'brave heart', and I know there were a few times that I needed to challenge how brave I was. However, my fans always supported me and backed me up. I promise to show a great fight for my fans!"

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