Welterweights collide on Saturday night, as Seokhyeon Ko faces Wellington Turman at UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs. Walker inside the Meta APEX.
Ko (13–3 MMA, 2–1 UFC) is coming off his first Octagon loss, dropping a unanimous decision to Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani in July. Turman (18–8 MMA, 3–6 UFC) returns to the cage for the first time since getting submitted by Jared Gooden in December 2023.
Ko enters as an overwhelming -700 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Turman is a +500 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.
Seokhyeon Ko vs. Wellington Turman Fight Preview
Seokhyeon Ko
- 13–3 MMA (2–1 UFC)
- 6–2 (T)KO
- 0–0 SUB
Seokhyeon Ko is looking to rebound from his first Octagon loss — and first pro defeat since December 2021. Granted, there are far worse people to lose to than Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani, an impressive prospect (12–2 MMA, 3–0 UFC) who pushed his winning streak to seven last weekend with a TKO victory. The 33-year-old South Korean has otherwise dominated his UFC competition with solid boxing and strong offensive grappling. While he’s yet to record a finish inside the Octagon, “Technical” has swept the judges’ scorecards in each of his last two wins — even earning a 30–26 from one judge in his most recent triumph over Phil Rowe.
Wellington Turman
- 18–8 MMA (3–6 UFC)
- 4–2 (T)KO
- 8–1 SUB
Wellington Turman aims to overcome a massive injury layoff in his first UFC fight in nearly three years. Still just 30, the Brazilian has plenty of time to turn things around. That said, such a lengthy hiatus may also compound an already turbulent run with the promotion. “The Prodigy” is only 3–6 inside the Octagon, got finished three times during that stretch, and now returns on a three-fight skid. While he had solid finishing upside before his injury, Turman was hittable and struggled to defend takedowns. He’s now tasked with reinventing himself after several shoulder surgeries — a tall order, to say the least.
Seokhyeon Ko vs. Wellington Turman Pick, Best Bet
Let’s not overcomplicate this. Despite coming off a loss, Seokhyeon Ko remains a respectable prospect who should wallop the returning Wellington Turman after such a long injury layoff. He may not have much finishing upside, but Ko has a proven ability to win big on the scorecards — and multiple pathways to do so again on Saturday night. That said, a stoppage win over his embattled opponent is certainly a possibility.
