Hongman Choi
South Korean giant who won the 2005 K-1 Seoul Grand Prix.
Hongman Choi (born October 30, 1980) is a South Korean kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and former ssireum wrestler. He is known for his enormous size—standing 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in) and weighing up to 166.6 kg (367 lb) during his K-1 career—and for winning the 2005 K-1 Seoul Grand Prix. In Asia, he is called 'Che Man', 'Techno Goliath', 'Korean Monster', and 'Korean Colossus'.
Quick Facts
- Birth Name
- Choi Hong-man
- Other Names
- The Techno Goliath / Korean Colossus / Che Man
- Birth Date
- 1980-10-30
- Height
- 2.19 m
- Weight Kg
- 159.5
- Weight Class
- Super Heavyweight
- Birth Place
- Jeju City, South Korea
- Martial Art
- MMA
- Style
- Kickboxing, Ssireum
- Reach
- 235 cm
- Kickbox Win
- 13
- Kickbox Kowin
- 7
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Choi began his career in ssireum, winning the 2003 Ssireum Championships against long-time rival Kim Young-hyun. In 2004, he reached the final again but was defeated by Kim. Their combined weight of 343.3 kg (757 lb) and height of 4.35 m (14 ft 3 in) surpassed the WBA heavyweight boxing record set by Nikolay Valuev and Jameel McCline. In December 2004, Choi announced his move to K-1, stating he held a two-dan black belt in Taekwondo, though this could not be verified. He trained with K-1 fighter Nicholas Pettas and debuted in March 2005, winning the World GP in Seoul by defeating Kaoklai Kaennorsing in the final. He later beat Bob Sapp by decision but lost to Remy Bonjasky in the World Grand Prix Final. His nickname 'Techno Goliath' came from dancing to techno music after ssireum victories; Japanese media called him 'Korean Monster'.
Reader's Guide
Choi's significance lies in his unprecedented physical presence in combat sports. His 2006 fight against Semmy Schilt—both fighters over 2.12 m (6 ft 11 in)—was notable for its size, with Choi winning by disputed decision. He also faced Jérôme Le Banner twice, losing both times but earning praise for his toughness. Le Banner said Choi's knees were 'almost at the level of my head' and called him 'maybe the strongest guy in K-1'. Choi was knocked out for the first time in March 2007 by Mighty Mo, but later avenged the loss by decision in a disputed fight where a groin kick was ruled a knockdown. In 2008, he fought Badr Hari, surviving three rounds without being knocked down despite Hari's power; Hari noted Choi's 'really strong chin'. Choi also competed in mixed martial arts, winning his debut in 16 seconds against Bobby Ologun. A scheduled fight with Brock Lesnar was canceled after Choi was denied a California license due to a benign pituitary tumor. His legacy includes being a rare athlete who could absorb heavy punches from elite strikers and remain standing.
Did You Know?
- Choi and Kim Young-hyun's 2003 ssireum match had a combined weight of 343.3 kg (757 lb), surpassing the boxing record of Valuev and McCline.
- He was denied a California fighter's license in 2007 due to a benign pituitary tumor, canceling a fight with Brock Lesnar.
- Choi was the only opponent of Badr Hari in 2008–2009 who took his best punches and kicks without going down once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hongman Choi?
Hongman Choi is a South Korean combat sport athlete born on October 30, 1980, who competed in kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and traditional ssireum wrestling. He is widely recognized as one of the largest fighters ever to step into a ring or cage.
How tall and heavy is Hongman Choi?
He stands at 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in) and reached a peak fighting weight of 166.6 kg (367 lb) during his K-1 career. Those numbers place him among the most physically imposing competitors in combat sports history.
What is Hongman Choi's biggest achievement?
His headline victory came at the 2005 K-1 Seoul Grand Prix, where he captured the title in front of a home Korean crowd. That win remains the defining moment of his professional fighting career.
What nicknames is Hongman Choi known by?
In Asian combat-sports circles he has been called 'Che Man,' 'Techno Goliath,' 'Korean Monster,' and 'Korean Colossus.' Each nickname plays on his towering frame and his South Korean heritage.
What sports has Hongman Choi competed in?
His career spans kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and ssireum, the traditional Korean wrestling discipline. That multi-discipline background is unusual even among athletes of comparable size.
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