The featherweight classic and 2016 Fight of the Year between Cub Swanson and Doo-Ho Choi at UFC 206 is set to join the UFC Hall of Fame.
During Saturday’s UFC 273 broadcast, emanating from Jacksonville, Florida, the promotion announced that the bout would join its Hall of Fame Class of 2022, in the Fight Wing.
In an accompanying press release, UFC President Dana White gave his thoughts on the 145lb classic.
“The fight between Cub Swanson and Doo-Ho Choi is one of the greatest fights of all time,” White was quoted as saying. “This fight was an absolute war for all three rounds and both guys left everything they had inside the Octagon, it was crazy! This fight was an incredible display of heart, endurance and determination and it was so good, it was named the 2016 Fight of the Year. Congratulations to Cub Swanson and Doo-Ho Choi on a fight that will always be remembered as one of the best ever!”
The thrilling contest on the December 2016 Pay-Per-View card, which took place at what was then known as the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, went the full 15 minutes. A back-and-forth war, Swanson turned up the heat in the third round, tagging Choi several times and even landing a cartwheel kick shortly before the end of the bout.
“Killer” Cub would walk away with his hand raised, but neither man could be considered a loser. Later in the month, the UFC would make the rare move to air the entire card free on FOX, then the primary broadcast partner for the promotion in the U.S.
An additional 4.7 million viewers would take in the event thanks to that showing, and presumably Swanson vs. Choi. Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis headlined the event, which also featured Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone vs. Matt Brown. But years later, it remains Swanson vs. Choi that is talked about most.
The UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2022 induction ceremony will take place this July in Las Vegas. The ceremony will be part of the 10th Annual UFC International Fight Week, and stream live on UFC Fight Pass.
