Lee Chang-ho, known as 'Korean Habibi', made a spectacular debut in the UFC on April 6, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the bantamweight (61.2kg) match on the main card of 'UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Murphy', he faced off against Kortebeevias Lomiovas from the USA, securing a victory by TKO at 3 minutes and 48 seconds of the second round.
With this win, Lee Chang-ho improved his mixed martial arts (MMA) record to 11 wins and 1 loss. Conversely, Lomiovas, who had previously suffered a loss in his Octagon debut last November, now finds himself in a two-fight losing streak, bringing his record to 9 wins and 4 losses.
Before the match, Lomiovas faced a significant setback by missing weight. He weighed in at 63.3kg, which is 1.6kg over the bantamweight limit of 61.7kg. Despite this disadvantage, Lee Chang-ho accepted the fight and proved that the circumstances did not affect him. He delivered an overwhelming performance that left a strong impression in the UFC.
From the onset of the first round, Lee Chang-ho came out aggressively, unleashing a barrage of punches. He quickly attempted a takedown, maintaining control over Lomiovas's legs for an extended period before executing a successful takedown that led to a full mount. The grappling exchanges showcased Lee's skills as he transitioned to a back position, applying a body triangle and landing punches to Lomiovas's face.
The second round began with a knee strike from Lee Chang-ho that landed on Lomiovas's face. After a brief pause to recover, Lomiovas tried to regain control in the wrestling exchanges, but Lee quickly established a dominant position. Lomiovas attempted an armbar, but Lee remained composed, escaping the hold and responding with a flurry of punches and elbows from the top position. Unable to defend himself, Lomiovas prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight.
Following the match, Lee Chang-ho expressed his gratitude towards his team and coaches for their well-crafted strategy. He stated, "I love grappling and scramble fights. Our team’s coach and manager devised a great strategy. My senior and junior teammates have pushed me hard, helping me grow this much."
He humorously addressed his nickname, 'Korean Habibi', saying, "I have a lot to improve on, but I will work harder. I will become the Korean Machine." This nickname is a nod to the current bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili, who is also known as 'The Machine'.
Lee Chang-ho's journey to the UFC has been marked by dedication and perseverance. He gained recognition as the winner of the 'ROAD TO UFC' Season 2 bantamweight tournament, which showcased his skills and determination. Before his UFC debut, he noted how watching Yoo Soo-young's decisive victory in her debut inspired him, stating, "Seeing Yoo Soo-young win overwhelmingly in her debut motivated me. I feel the reality of becoming a UFC fighter now that my debut is just around the corner."
As he prepared for this fight, Lee focused on honing his striking skills during the long break he took. He emphasized the importance of blending striking pressure with his grappling prowess, aiming to replicate the aggressive style of Dvalishvili. He viewed Lomiovas as a solid opponent who would test his new skills, stating, "Lomiovas is tough, but I think I can dominate in all aspects, including technique and physical strength."
Overseas experts had predicted that Lee Chang-ho had a 55% chance of winning his UFC debut, reflecting confidence in his abilities. The matchup was seen as a clash of different backgrounds, with Lee coming from the 'ROAD TO UFC' series and Lomiovas from the Dana White Contender Series (DWCS), which has produced champions like Jamahal Hill and Sean O'Malley.
The main event of the night featured a highly anticipated clash between Josh Emmett, ranked 8th in the UFC featherweight division, and Lerone Murphy, ranked 10th. Emmett, known for his knockout power, faced the undefeated Murphy, who aims to secure a title shot with a victory. This matchup added to the excitement of the night, showcasing the diverse talent within the UFC.
As the dust settles on this thrilling event, Lee Chang-ho's impressive debut not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also sets the stage for his future endeavors in the UFC. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he builds on this momentum in the competitive bantamweight division.
