South Korea’s viral KO hit Libby Cho is aiming for a magical repeat of her Japan debut when she faces home fighter Misaki Suda on Sunday 8 September at New Pier Hall in Tokyo.
Seoul-based Cho, 35, whose full name is Eun Bi Cho but is better known by her nickname of Libby, made a showstealing first foray into DEEP JEWELS in March as she moved down two divisions (from strawweight to her favoured microweight) to knock out Momoko Yamazaki in just 57 seconds in March.
The social media fan favourite, who walks around at under 105 pounds, had only been offered strawweight fights but wants to compete in the microweight division.
Libby’s walk-off finish handed Yamazaki her first knockout loss and in process she recorded her first career win in her sixth attempt after making the transition from BJJ to MMA and turning pro in 2018.
The BJJ purple belt’s highlight reel stoppage has almost 100,000 views on the official DEEP YouTube account and went viral on X.
“I already knew that Yamazaki is a famous fighter in Japanese MMA, so I thought it was my chance to show myself in DEEP JEWELS for the first time,” Libby told AsiaFighting.
"I can't say I wasn't happy but I want to say I felt more relieved than anything. Many people helped me to train and focus on the fight so I’m glad I could pay them back to their support.
“I really wanted to fight so I agreed to move down two divisions because it was the fight I was offered.”
The 5ft 3in fighter, who is trained by former ROAD FC champion Kil Woo Lee, will now face pro MMA debutant Misaki Suda, who boasts a 2-5-0 amateur record, in an atomweight fight which is set for two five-minute rounds.
“I already feel ready for the fight. I know that she is tall and has good striking. While she may be stronger than me I'll be faster than her, so I'll stick to using my advantage.”
The former ROAD FC amateur competitor has fought in her native South Korea, China and the Philippines but is eager to continue her rise to prominence in Japan with the promotional successor to Smackgirl.
"I feel so blessed to fight in DEEP JEWELS. I've got a good chance to impress on this fight card and I need to show everyone my best performance.” Libby is unfazed by fighting another Japanese fighter in their homeland and notes that last time out she silenced the crowd.
"I've got some friends in Tokyo and also several friends from Korea as well like last time. Not so many but definitely enough to be celebrate with! “In my last fight, everyone was calling my opponent's name and then look at the result. I've made fans from the last fight and I'll make more in this fight as well.”
DEEP’s latest international hit is aiming to produce another spectacular finish on 8 September.
“Whether you saw me KO my opponent last time or not, you need to watch my fight at DEEP JEWELS 46 because I will make a magical KO again!”
Click here to visit the official DEEP website to find out more information about DEEP JEWELS 46 Pictures courtesy of DEEP JEWELS
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