UFC on FOX 23's Jason Knight says Doo Hoo Choi callout a 'compliment,' but will take any fight

Fresh off an impressive submission over Alex Caceres at UFC on FOX 23, welterweight Jason Knight today told MMAjunkie Radio he considers his callout of slugger Doo Ho Choi “a compliment” and hopes the promotion books it.

“Win, lose, or draw, it’s going to be a ‘Fight of the Night,'” Knight said. “It’s going to be one of those fights that people talk about for years and years.”

Knight wants to trade punches with Choi (14-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) after the South Korean fighter’s “Fight of the Year” candidate against Cub Swanson (24-7 MMA, 9-3 UFC) at UFC 206. Although he won his most recent fight and would buck protocol by taking an opponent coming off a loss, he said his priorities aren’t exclusively driven by his career.

“Of course, I want to climb that ladder, I want to get to the top, and I want to be the best,” Knight said. “But it’s not really about all that to me. I want to go down as one of the greatest in the world. I want be a legend in the sport, like B.J. Penn, Donald Cerrone, Forrest Griffin, the guys that, 20 years from now, even when the younger (fans) don’t know who the hell you are, you’re still talked about.

“I believe if me and Doo Ho Choi get in there, that fight is going to be one of those fights that, 20 years from now, people are still going to be talking about it.”

Swanson’s part in the fight with Choi was a big reason why Knight got so fired up. But the way he sees it, calling out Choi is a more realistic request if matchmakers are looking at rankings.

“Don’t get me wrong – I want to fight Cub Swanson, too,” Knight said. “Swanson is ranked No. 4, and right now, they’ve got me around 20 or somewhere. To ask for the No. 4 guy in the world, that’s not even realistic. They’re going to shoot me down right off the bat.”

Then again, Knight (16-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) might have a little more career capital than he imagines. Not only did he beat Caceres (12-10 MMA, 7-8 UFC), but he earned widespread praise for an emotional tribute to his recently passed father. He also took home a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus.

Knight is trying to be realistic, so he wants to fight Choi and then a top-10 opponent. But he added he is open to any fight the UFC might offer since he’s interested in getting back in the cage as soon as possible.

“If they can’t get me ‘Korean Superboy,’ give me anybody they want, and give it to me on short notice,” he said. “A full training camp (or not), it doesn’t matter. They can call me tomorrow and Jason Knight is ready to go.”

For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 23, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

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