SuYoung You achieved his first victory as a UFC fighter with a unanimous decision win over AJ Cunningham at UFC Fight Night 254, held on March 15, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This match marked You's official debut following his impressive performance in the 2024 Road to UFC bantamweight series, where he established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Entering the fight as a significant favorite, You was widely anticipated to dominate the bout. The judges scored the match 30-27, indicating You's control over the fight. His wrestling prowess was evident as he landed five takedowns, which resulted in nearly eight minutes of control time on the mat. Alongside his effective grappling, You displayed impressive accuracy, landing 80 percent of his total strikes throughout the three rounds.
Despite the clear decision win, You expressed mixed feelings about his performance. "I’m happy with the win, but it didn’t go as well as the game plan. I was more focused on the game plan and struggling, and I couldn’t do my best on the ground. I still got the win, but I need to work on my game. Next fight, I’ll be challenged to do even more," You shared post-fight. This candid reflection highlights his determination to improve as he competes at the highest level.
SuYoung You’s current professional record now stands at 15 wins and 3 losses (15-3), boasting an impressive 2-0 record within the UFC. Conversely, AJ Cunningham's record has decreased to 11-5 after facing You, leaving him with two losses (0-2) since joining the UFC.
Looking to the future, You reiterated his ambitions to fight again around August or September 2025. He expressed hopes for the opportunity to compete closer to home, stating, "I’d like to fight around August or September. Right now, there are so many Korean fighters on the roster, so hopefully the UFC will go to Korea soon." This desire not only mirrors his aspiration for personal success but also showcases the rising representation of Korean fighters within the UFC.
Overall, SuYoung You's victory at UFC Fight Night 254 not only solidified his position within the promotion but also highlighted his wrestling skills and determination. While he may have secured the win, his eagerness to refine his technique reflects the mindset of someone truly committed to their craft. The call for finishes signals his ambition to not just win, but to win spectacularly as he looks to climb the ranks of the UFC's bantamweight division.
With the blend of wrestling and stand-up ability, coupled with the resilience shown throughout his career, fans can anticipate exciting developments as You moves forward. This is only the beginning for You, and the UFC's growing presence of Korean fighters promises thrilling bouts both for him and his compatriots.
Stay tuned for more updates on SuYoung You's next fight as he aims for greater heights within the UFC, reflecting the spirit of competition and the honor of representing his nation on the global stage.
