South Korea's 2.18 meter-tall Choi Hong-man, a former national Ssirum, or wrestling, champion, has officially announced he will retire from the Korean sport to debut in Japan's K-1 mixed martial arts competition.

The 24-year-old Choi made the announcement Thursday in a news conference attended by the chief of Fighting Entertainment Group (FEG), the host of K-1 in Japan.

Choi has been a star of the ssirum scene since his debut in 1993, when he won a top title. His unique victory dance has earned him the local nickname, "Techno Goliath."