Ko Seok-hyun bounces back from first UFC loss with dominant decision win

Defeats Turman 3-0 on all judges' scorecards

Long hook, takedowns power third UFC victory

Ko Seok-hyun executes a body clinch takedown against Wellington Turman in their welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night 293 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday (Korean Standard Time). [Screen capture from tvN broadcast]

Ko was confident in both his ground game and striking. He had also built up his strength to prepare for an opponent stepping down from a higher weight class. The result was a comfortable victory.

Ko Seok-hyun, known as "Technical," bounced back from his first UFC loss with a dominant grappling performance to claim his third UFC win. International combat sports media praised his ground control against a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.

Ko defeated Wellington Turman of Brazil by unanimous decision in a welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night 293 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday (Korean Standard Time). All three judges scored the fight 30-27, making it a clean sweep.

Ko had suffered his first UFC loss to Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani in July. Returning to the octagon four months later, he improved his UFC record to 3 wins and 1 loss. His overall MMA record now stands at 14 wins and 3 losses.

Brazilian combat sports outlet AG Fight noted that Turman had returned to the octagon for the first time in about three years since December 2023, only to be dominated by Ko. The outlet also said the loss left Turman in danger of being cut from the UFC, as it extended his losing streak to four consecutive defeats.

Ko Seok-hyun lands a left overhand on Wellington Turman in their welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night 293 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday (Korean Standard Time). [Screen capture from tvN broadcast]

Ko pressed forward aggressively from the opening round, starting with body kicks before taking control of the striking exchanges with single left long hooks. When Turman attempted a clinch, Ko converted it into a takedown. Turman used the cage to get back to his feet, but Ko kept up the pressure and secured another takedown late in the round.

Turman mounted a counterattack in the second round, creating opportunities in the striking exchanges with rear-hand straights and spinning blows. Ko capitalized on the openings Turman left during his offensive flurries, completing a takedown to reclaim control of the fight.

The pattern held in the third and final round. Ko shot for a leg takedown early and brought Turman down. When Turman attempted a guillotine choke, Ko calmly escaped and maintained his ground advantage. As Turman rose to his feet, Ko took him down again to seal the victory.

Ko Seok-hyun celebrates his decision victory over Wellington Turman at UFC Fight Night 293 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday (Korean Standard Time). Turman applauds in the background. [Screen capture from tvN broadcast]

US combat sports outlet MMA Mania and French outlet UFC Fans also covered Ko's win, describing him as having delivered an overwhelming display of ground dominance.

MMA Mania said Ko completed takedowns in all three rounds and maintained relentless pressure throughout. Ko spent more than half the fight in advantageous ground positions and controlled the pace and flow of the bout rather than forcing a finish.

The victory marks a successful rebound for Ko after his first UFC loss. Turman, meanwhile, has now lost four consecutive bouts dating back to his fight against Andre Petroski in November 2022, with talk of a potential UFC release circulating in Brazil. Ko, by contrast, reaffirmed his competitiveness with a composed and controlled performance.

yjc@heraldcorp.com