The UFC makes its way to Baku this weekend, expanding its global reach once again. Headlining the card are light heavyweight contenders Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill, with a potential title shot against Magomed Ankalaev hanging in the balance. While the spotlight will naturally fall on the main and co-main events, there’s a fight on the prelims that might just steal the show.
Oban Elliott vs. Seokhyeon Ko – A Hidden Gem
Set your alarms and grab your seat early—this is not one to miss. Two rising stars in the welterweight division will collide in what promises to be a high-paced, high-stakes battle. Both men are riding impressive win streaks: Ko with four straight, and Elliott with eight consecutive victories. With that kind of momentum on the line, fireworks are all but guaranteed.
Oban Elliott – The Welsh Gangster on the Rise
Oban Elliott enters this fight as one of the most exciting prospects in the 170-pound division. Since signing with the UFC in 2023, Elliott has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to his gritty style and versatile skillset. He’s undefeated in 2024, notching three wins this year, including a standout third-round knockout of Bassil Hafez.
Nicknamed “The Welsh Gangster,” Elliott brings a complete game into the Octagon—solid striking, effective grappling, and sharp fight IQ. His composure and experience give him a sense of maturity that belies his UFC tenure. With another win here, he could take a major step toward cracking the welterweight rankings.
Seokhyeon Ko – Power and Precision from the East
Standing in Elliott’s way is South Korea’s Seokhyeon Ko, a dangerous and motivated striker with real knockout power. Ko has finished six of his 11 professional wins, and his aggressive style makes him a constant threat. A two-time AFC champion, he carved his path through the Asian MMA scene, building a loyal following before earning a UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, where he dominated Igor Carvalho across three rounds.
Now set to make his UFC debut in Baku, Ko will be eager to make a statement. With explosive hands and a solid defensive base, he’s more than capable of upsetting Elliott and launching himself into the welterweight conversation.
Prediction: Oban Elliott via Round 2 KO
This is a razor-thin matchup between two talented, confident fighters. Ko’s striking is crisp and dangerous, and he has the tools to test Elliott’s defence early. However, Elliott’s octagon experience and well-rounded approach give him a crucial edge.
Look for Elliott to use movement and pressure to tire Ko, mixing in level changes and body work before turning up the heat late in Round 2. While Ko’s power is a serious threat, he has been stopped twice in his career, and Elliott has the skillset to make it a third.
Why This Fight Matters
Two streaking prospects. Clashing styles. High stakes. This bout has all the ingredients of a classic and could mark the arrival of a new contender in the UFC’s deep welterweight division. Don’t be surprised if this turns out to be the Fight of the Night.
From top to bottom, UFC Baku is stacked with intriguing matchups. But if there’s one fight on the undercard to circle—this is it.
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