UFC Fight Night 124 results: Jeremy Stephens devastates Dooho Choi with second-round TKO

Stephens (27-14 MMA, 14-13 UFC) earned a TKO over Choi (14-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) at the 2:36 mark of the second round and  picked  up his second straight win and advance his argument for title contention.

The featherweight bout was the main event of today’s UFC Fight Night 124 card at Scottrade Center in St. Louis. It wasaired on FS1 following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

 Stephens called out anyone in front of him in the featherweight division, where he’s currently un ranked, and specifically mentioned surging up-and-comer Brian Ortega, who this past year upset veteran standout and previous Choi victor Cub Swanson.

“I know he’s here,” Stephens said afterward. “I know a few people coming off a good win. I want to fight everyone in front of me.”

Choi started the engagement by attacking the legs and body of Stephens, who missed early with his vaunted right hand. Due to repeated leg attacks Stephens was prompted to seek revenge, but Choi’s defense remained intact  until the midway point of the second, when right hands began to find their mark. None of the shots staggered Choi, however, and he repaid the efforts with more leg kicks and left hand attacks.

A front kick staggered Stephens in the opening seconds of the second frame, forcing him to go on a rampage for revenge. Both of them  swung heavy leather landing serious shots. Choi continued to attack Stephens’ lead leg  and reddened it. A huge overhand right cracked Choi, and yet, he stayed upright

Another right slammed into Choi’s head and he was knocked down to the mat. Stephens pounded away with more huge punches until referee Keith Peterson had seen enough.

Choi suffers his second consecutive loss since a brutal decision loss to Swanson in his previous bout.