The energy was electric inside Seoul’s Jangchung Gymnasium on March 15, 2026, as fans gathered for one of the most anticipated mixed martial arts events of the year—굽네 ROAD FC 076. With 15 bouts on the card, including a heavyweight title showdown, a long-awaited bantamweight tournament final, and a full slate of electrifying matchups, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of combat sports.
Preparations for the big day began in earnest on March 14, when the official weigh-ins took place at Domus in Apgujeong, Seoul. Thirty fighters—each representing their own dreams, grit, and fighting spirit—stepped onto the scales, confirming their readiness for battle. The weigh-in event wasn’t just a procedural step; it was a spectacle in itself, attended by the ever-popular Road Girls—Jung Ju-hee, Lee Si-ah, and Ahn Na-kyung—who greeted fans and added a vibrant touch to the proceedings. Their message was simple yet enthusiastic: “Come see the cage goddesses at Jangchung Gymnasium!”
The Road Girls, often called the "cage goddesses" by fans, have become iconic figures in the ROAD FC scene. Jung Ju-hee, a former Miss Maxim contestant, racing model, and yoga instructor; Lee Si-ah, a Russian model; and Ahn Na-kyung, also a racing model, are more than just presenters—they’re ambassadors for the sport, energizing the crowd and representing the spirit of the event. Their presence, both at the weigh-ins and throughout the main event, helped set the tone for the action to come.
As the clock struck 2 PM on March 15, the lights dimmed and the first of ten preliminary matches kicked off the first part of the event. The bouts included a variety of weight classes and fighting styles, from flyweight to lightweight to bantamweight, with one kickboxing match thrown in for good measure. Among the notable early bouts was the flyweight contest between Bae Seong-jin and Lee Jun-ho, and a bantamweight showdown featuring Choi Young-chan and Kim Jin-kuk. The lightweight match between Han Sang-kwon and Jahongir Saydaliev saw Han fail to make weight, tipping the scales at 71.1kg—just over the limit.
The first part of the event flew by, with fighters from across Korea and beyond giving their all. The crowd responded in kind, roaring for every takedown, reversal, and near finish. The atmosphere only intensified as the afternoon turned to evening and the second part of the event began, featuring five main card bouts.
At the heart of the main card was the heavyweight title fight between two-division champion Kim Tae-in (33) and the determined Japanese challenger Sekino Taisei (26). Both fighters had passed the weigh-in—Kim at 106.8kg and Sekino at 102.5kg—setting the stage for a clash that was as personal as it was professional. This fight marked a rematch nearly two years in the making, with Sekino eager to avenge his previous defeat.
Sekino didn’t mince words at the weigh-in, declaring, “It’s been almost two years since I’ve had the chance for revenge. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about that loss. This time, I will get my revenge, win, and enjoy a good drink. Please support me.” Kim Tae-in, never one to back down from a little banter, shot back playfully: “Go get beaten up and then go drink, man!” The exchange drew laughter from those in attendance, but the tension between the two was palpable.
Before the main event, fans were treated to the co-main event—a global tournament bantamweight final between ‘Asian legend’ Kim Soo-chul (35) and ‘Jeju Jjang’ Yang Ji-yong (30). The backstory here was rich: their previous final, held in December 2024, had ended in controversy when an illegal headbutt nullified the result. After more than a year of anticipation, the rematch was finally upon them.
Yang Ji-yong was direct in his promise to fans and to his opponent: “This time, I’ll finish the fight with my fists, not with a headbutt.” Kim Soo-chul, ever the sportsman, responded, “I will put on a good fight this time as well.” With both men making weight—Kim at 63kg and Yang at 62.9kg—the stage was set for a clean, decisive contest.
Other highlights from the main card included the lightweight battle between Park Si-won and Wanderson Ferreira (both at 70.4kg), a bantamweight clash between Kim Hyun-woo (63.4kg) and Jang Ye-sung (63.5kg), and a 75kg catchweight fight featuring Hong Young-ki (75.4kg) and Park Hyun-bin (75kg). In the latter, Hong Young-ki came out aggressively in the first round, setting a fierce pace for the rest of the evening.
The lone kickboxing match of the night saw Lee Ho-jae claim victory in the heavyweight division. His performance was recognized in the ring by Wonju MMA Association chairman Kim Tae-wi, who presented Lee with a trophy and posed for commemorative photos—a proud moment for both fighter and association.
The event was broadcast live nationwide on SPOTV, SOOP, and KakaoTV, allowing fans across Korea to witness the action as it unfolded. The seamless production and high-energy commentary helped bring the excitement of Jangchung Gymnasium into living rooms and sports bars around the country.
It’s not just the fights themselves that make ROAD FC events so compelling—it’s the sense of community, tradition, and spectacle. From the playful exchanges at weigh-ins to the Road Girls’ dazzling presence, from the drama of long-awaited rematches to the emergence of new contenders, every detail adds to the tapestry of modern Korean MMA.
As the fighters rested in their hotel rooms the night before, they could hardly have imagined the noise, the lights, and the energy that would greet them inside the gymnasium. For some, the night would end in triumph; for others, in lessons learned and new motivation for the future. For the fans, it was another chapter in the ongoing story of ROAD FC—a league where legends are made, and where every punch, kick, and takedown tells its own story.
With the dust settling and anticipation already building for the next event, one thing’s for sure: ROAD FC 076 delivered on its promise of heart-pounding action, unforgettable moments, and the kind of sportsmanship that keeps fans coming back for more. The fighters, the fans, and the “cage goddesses” all played their part in making this a night to remember in Seoul’s storied Jangchung Gymnasium.