Ko vs Turman: "The Korean Tyson" Tests "The Prodigy" at Welterweight
A nickname like "The Korean Tyson" suggests a one-dimensional slugger. Seokhyeon Ko's numbers say otherwise, and they set up an intriguing welterweight test against Brazil's Wellington "The Prodigy" Turman when UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brady comes to Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Nov. 7.
Ko (13-3), 32, has been in the UFC since June 2025. On the feet he is efficient: 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute at 50% accuracy, only 1.93 absorbed and 62% striking defense. He also wrestles, averaging 3.00 takedowns per 15 minutes, and he stays busy once the fight hits the mat, with 28% of his significant strikes landing on the ground, 68% standing and 4% in the clinch. Six of his 13 wins came by knockout (46%), the other seven by decision, with four first-round finishes. He has no UFC knockdowns yet, attempts 0.25 submissions per 15 minutes, and his average fight goes the full 15:00.
Turman (18-8), 30, has been on the UFC roster since July 2019 and is at his most dangerous on the mat. Eight of his wins came by submission (44%), four by knockout and six by decision, with eight first-round finishes. He averages 0.78 submission attempts and 1.55 takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing, he is marginally busier than Ko, landing 3.23 significant strikes per minute at 51% accuracy, but he absorbs far more: 4.17 per minute with 45% striking defense. Most of his output comes on the feet (76%), with 16% in the clinch and 8% on the ground.
Turman is the bigger man: 6 feet tall with a 72-inch reach, against Ko's 5-foot-10 frame and 71-inch reach. Neither fighter's takedown defense is anything special: 50% for Ko, 43% for Turman. Turman's fights also end sooner, averaging 10:44.
Here is the dilemma for Ko. His strike differential is positive and Turman's is negative, which argues for keeping the fight standing. Yet his instinct is to take opponents down and work from top position, and waiting for him on the mat is a man with eight submission wins. It comes down to this: does Ko chase takedowns and risk a submission, or stay on the feet where the numbers favor him?
The card gets going at 2 p.m. local time, with the main card at 5 p.m. Arrive early so you don't miss this one. Grab a seat: UFC Fight Night Las Vegas tickets, Nov. 7.