In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, South Korea's Ko Seok-hyeon triumphed over Wales' Oban Elliott at the UFC Fight Night in Baku, Azerbaijan. The bout, which took place on Saturday, saw Ko making his highly anticipated UFC debut, and he did not disappoint. The 31-year-old fighter, known as 'The Korean Tyson,' showcased a dominant performance, securing a unanimous 30-27 decision victory.

Ko's strategy was clear from the outset, as he effectively grounded Elliott for extended periods across all three rounds. His grappling prowess was on full display, with several submission attempts that kept Elliott on the defensive. Despite Elliott's nickname, 'The Welsh Gangster,' and his undefeated UFC record leading up to this fight, he was unable to counter Ko's relentless pressure.

Elliott, who was originally scheduled to fight Ramiz Brahimaj on May 31 in Las Vegas, faced visa issues that led to the cancellation of that bout. The UFC quickly rescheduled him for the Baku event, ensuring he remained active. However, his preparation, which included training with some of Europe's elite fighters, proved insufficient against Ko's experience and skill set.

Ko entered the UFC with an impressive 11-2 record, and his debut performance solidified his reputation as a formidable contender in the middleweight division. Elliott, on the other hand, will need to regroup after suffering his first defeat since his UFC debut in February 2024.

This fight not only highlighted Ko's potential as a future title contender but also underscored the unpredictable nature of MMA, where even the most prepared fighters can face unexpected challenges. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching Ko's next moves in the UFC, as he continues to build on this impressive start to his career.