As the first fight on the main card of UFC 310, we have an intriguing matchup featuring two relatively unknown fighters. Watching their previous bouts gives the impression that both enjoy a striking game, but the most notable difference is the range at which they prefer to operate. Nate appears to be a brawler who doesn’t mind taking a hit while dishing out some carnage, whereas Doo seems to prefer staying at range. Doo's dynamic striking can be impressive but occasionally loose—especially defensively.
Let’s take a closer look at each fighter and break down how this bout might play out.
NATE "THE TRAIN" LANDWEHR
Nate has lost only one of his last five fights (by decision) and shows a reasonable spread in his wins (1 KO, 2 SUBS, 1 M DEC). At almost 37 years old, he might be slightly past his prime. Watching his recent fights will keep you on the edge of your seat—his performances are often chaotic but thrilling.
Nate absorbs a lot of punches and seems to enjoy fighting at close range, though he gets clipped frequently while closing the distance. What’s concerning is that he often looks wobbly when hit, yet he proves resilient by bouncing back repeatedly. More often than not, he manages to finish strong by the end of the fight.
Key Notes:
- Resilient
- Takes significant damage while closing the distance
- Solid striking capability with knockout power
- Possesses a strong lead left hand (which will be important in this matchup)
- Relatively active (1 fight in 2022, 2 in 2023, 1 in 2024)
DOO HO CHOI
Doo Ho Choi has faced a rocky recent history, with 3 losses, 1 draw, and 1 win (via KO) in his last five fights. He appears taller than Nate, though the stats show only a 1-inch height advantage, and his reach is actually 2 inches shorter. A powerful striker, Doo Ho secures most of his wins by KO, often in the first or second rounds (albeit at lower competition levels).
Doo Ho prefers to keep opponents at a distance. While he absorbs some damage, it’s less than Nate. His defence can appear clumsy—he’s been seen almost running away from opponents at times. Despite 50% of his losses coming via knockout (2/4), he’s demonstrated a solid chin, particularly in his fight against Cub Swanson, where he absorbed heavy shots and stayed standing until the end.
In some of his previous bouts, Doo Ho has outright refused to engage on the ground, which could suggest either a lack of interest or a lack of capability in grappling. This could be a liability against Nate, who is comfortable securing submission finishes, even if he prefers striking.
One notable concern for Doo Ho is his inactivity. After being knocked out in 2019 and 2020, he didn’t fight again until 2023. He followed that return with a draw and then a KO win over Bill Algeo in 2024. This inconsistency raises questions, especially if his absence was due to injury (though this hasn’t been confirmed).
Key Notes
- Resilient
- Prefers striking at range
- Inactivity is a concern
- Avoids grappling
- Has significant knockout power
THE MATCHUP
This fight has all the makings of a thrilling slugfest, especially given both of these fighters regularly earn Performance Bonusses. The outcome will likely depend on whether Doo Ho can keep the fight at a distance or if Nate can close the gap and unleash his strikes. Nate’s left hand could be particularly dangerous, as Doo Ho has been knocked out with a left cross before (against Charles Jourdain). Doo Ho thrives on first-round KOs, and Nate’s willingness to take punches could play right into his hands early on. However, Nate’s toughness may allow him to weather the storm and retaliate.
Given Nate’s higher activity levels and his ability to mix in grappling to wear down opponents, I think he’ll survive the first round and capitalize on his left hand in the second. If Doo Ho doesn’t secure a finish early, I recon Nate will likely get the KO in the second round.
