BRINGING SEXY BACK

Choo Sung-hoon, famously known as Sexyama, has achieved many great things as a mixed martial artist. Yet as he approaches 50, he finds himself discovering new passions and priorities, further cementing his everlasting prime as a sportsman.

- ALISON LOH

Anyone who keeps up with mixed martial arts (MMA) would likely be familiar with Choo Sung-hoon, who also goes by several different names. In Japan, where he was born and raised, he’s known as Yoshihiro Akiyama. Professionally, he adopts a striking stage name – Sexyama.

Admired for his victories and Judo-based style, the Japanese MMA fighter is easily recognisable among fans of the sport. Being in the MMA scene for over two decades is no small feat either. At the age of 48, Choo is practically legendary for his age-defying attributes, passion and talent.

Before Choo landed on MMA grounds, he was a Judo student. “I was a gold medalist in the sport,” he shared. “It was in 2006 when I started getting exposed to mixed martial arts. My Judo master participated in one of the matches that time, which sparked my interest.”

Choo began his journey in the sport and eventually made his way into the international ranks of MMA. That included fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and ONE Championship. Fight after fight, garnering both wins and losses, he began building a solid reputation for himself.

Practising such a physical sport comes with a price, though Choo surely knows how to care for himself. When asked about his secret to caring for his bruises and cuts, the skilled fighter simply said, “I don’t have a secret. It’s not something I focus on because to me, the matches are more important. Bruises will eventually heal. If there’s a scar, I will just embrace them.”