On June 21, 2025, the welterweight division at UFC Baku witnessed a stunning upset as South Korean newcomer Seokhyeon Ko handed top prospect Oban Elliott his first UFC loss. Known as 'The Welsh Gangster,' Elliott entered the Octagon riding an impressive eight-fight win streak and a flawless 3-0 UFC record. However, Ko, making his promotional debut and dubbed 'The Korean Tyson,' dominated the bout to secure a unanimous decision victory, with all judges scoring the fight 30-27 in his favor.
Elliott earned his UFC contract in 2023 through Dana White's Contender Series and quickly made a name for himself in the welterweight ranks. His initial UFC run in 2024 was marked by three consecutive wins, including a knockout over Bassil Hafez at UFC 309 and unanimous decision victories against Preston Parsons and Val Woodburn. Prior to UFC Baku, Elliott had been training extensively across Europe, including stints in Germany and at Shore Mixed Martial Arts in Wales, preparing for his next challenge.
Originally slated to face Ramiz Brahimaj at a UFC Fight Night event in Las Vegas on May 31, Elliott's bout was canceled due to visa delays. The UFC promptly rescheduled him for the Baku card, where he faced Ko in what many expected to be a straightforward victory for the Welshman. Elliott entered the fight as a massive 5-to-1 betting favorite, reflecting the high expectations surrounding his career trajectory.
However, the fight unfolded quite differently. From the opening bell, Ko came out aggressive, quickly turning the tide and flipping the odds in his favor. Despite a slow start with limited striking exchanges, Ko's grappling prowess shone through, especially in rounds two and three. He landed six takedowns during the fight and maintained an imposing ten minutes of control time on the mat, repeatedly keeping Elliott grounded and attempting various submission holds.
UFC commentator Michael Bisping, whom Elliott had sought advice from before the fight, aptly described Ko's relentless style as "like a dog with a bone." Ko's ground control included attempts at rear-naked chokes, face cranks, and arm triangles, showcasing his judo background and submission skills. Elliott struggled to mount effective offense, throwing only ten significant strikes throughout the entire 15 minutes, a surprisingly low output for someone with his striking pedigree.
Ko's striking also contributed to his dominance, as he opened a cut on Elliott's left eyebrow with a slashing elbow strike, further hampering the Welshman's efforts. The South Korean fighter's ability to mix striking with grappling made him a formidable opponent, controlling the pace and location of the fight effectively.
All three judges agreed on the outcome, awarding Ko a clean 30-27 sweep, marking a unanimous decision victory. This win extended Ko's personal winning streak to five and marked an impressive UFC debut for the 31-year-old, who entered the promotion with a 12-2 professional record. Ko's training camp includes notable UFC veterans such as 'Stun Gun' Dong Hyun Kim, a former UFC welterweight contender with a 13-4 UFC record, and 21-fight veteran Yushin Okami, providing him with a wealth of experience and mentorship.
For Elliott, this loss represents a significant setback after a promising start to his UFC career. Known for his determination and inspired by British MMA pioneer Michael Bisping, Elliott expressed his aspirations to have a long-lasting career at the top level. Before UFC Baku, he said, "I take massive inspiration at Bisping winning the title at 37 years old... because I'm only 27. I'm not just a little flash in the pan here today gone tomorrow. I want to be here until I'm like people are saying, 'Oh he's still at the top. He's 36, 37.' I want to be here the whole time. And that's all I aspire to achieve. Now I've achieved my dream of making it to the UFC."
Despite his lackluster performance in Baku, Elliott is expected to analyze the fight thoroughly and work on adjustments to rebound stronger in future bouts. His coaches urged him to seek a finish ahead of the third round, but Ko's persistent pressure denied any chance of a comeback. The Welshman's resilience and work ethic suggest he will be eager to return to the Octagon and prove himself once again.
The UFC Baku event also featured other notable fights. Korean Top Team's Jun Yong Park secured a unanimous decision over Ismail Naurdiev in a middleweight clash marked by fouls, with Naurdiev penalized two points for an illegal knee strike. In the women's bantamweight division, MMA Factory's Darya Zheleznyakova avenged a previous loss to Melissa Mullins with a unanimous decision victory, while Klaudia Sygula bounced back from a recent knockout defeat by outpointing Irina Alekseeva.
Flyweight contender Tagir Ulanbekov moved closer to a Top 10 ranking with a unanimous decision win over Azat Maksum, and heavyweight Mohammed Usman snapped a two-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Hamdy Abdelwahab. These results highlight the depth and competitiveness of the UFC's roster across multiple divisions.
Seokhyeon Ko’s impressive debut signals a bright future for the South Korean judoka in the welterweight division. His blend of grappling dominance, striking ability, and relentless pressure makes him a fighter to watch as he climbs the ranks. Meanwhile, Oban Elliott faces the challenge of regrouping after his first UFC defeat, with the experience serving as a valuable lesson in the unforgiving nature of the sport at its highest level.
As the dust settles from UFC Baku, the welterweight landscape looks more intriguing than ever, with new contenders emerging and established prospects recalibrating their paths. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how both Ko and Elliott respond in their next outings, setting the stage for compelling matchups ahead.
