DK Gym head coach Seung Chul Lee returns to action on July 17 at ONE Fight Night 45, where he faces South African wrestling standout Bokang Masunyane inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
DK Gym head coach Seung Chul Lee (often spelled will return to the global stage on Friday, July 17 9:00 PM EDT, when he faces South African contender Bokang “Little Giant” Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 45 inside Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. The event airs live during U.S. primetime on Prime Video and marks another important appearance for one of Korean MMA’s respected coaches competing against the world’s elite.
For Lee, the matchup represents more than another fight under the ONE Championship banner. As the leader of DK Gym, he carries the responsibility of representing both his team and Korean mixed martial arts against one of the strawweight division’s most accomplished wrestlers.
A Difficult Test Against One of Africa’s Best Wrestlers
Masunyane enters the contest with one of the strongest wrestling pedigrees in ONE Championship’s strawweight division.
Raised in Johannesburg under difficult circumstances, the South African spent part of his childhood at Kids Haven, a charity organization supporting vulnerable youth. Wrestling became his path forward at just seven years old, and his talent quickly developed into international success. He eventually captured a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
His move to MMA proved equally successful. After compiling an undefeated amateur record while winning two regional championships, Masunyane opened his professional career with six consecutive victories. Although a knee injury delayed his momentum, he returned with an impressive win in Japan’s Pancrase before signing with ONE Championship.
Inside the cage, Masunyane has built his reputation around explosive takedowns, relentless top control, and an increasingly dangerous right hand. His wrestling-first approach has consistently challenged opponents throughout ONE’s highly competitive strawweight division.
Experience Meets Leadership
While many fighters focus solely on preparing themselves, Lee balances his own career with the daily responsibilities of coaching an entire team.
As DK Gym’s head coach, he has become one of Korea’s respected instructors, helping develop the next generation of Korean talent while continuing to compete at the highest level himself. That dual role demands not only technical excellence but also the discipline to remain an active competitor despite the responsibilities that come with leading a successful gym.
Facing a relentless wrestler like Masunyane will require composure, strategic preparation, and the ability to neutralize prolonged grappling exchanges, qualities that experienced coaches often emphasize inside their own gyms.
ONE Fight Night 45 Brings Another Major International Showcase
ONE Fight Night 45 marks the beginning of ONE Championship’s second-half schedule for 2026, with Lumpinee Stadium once again serving as the backdrop for one of the promotion’s international cards.
The event is headlined by a featherweight Muay Thai clash between American striker Luke “The Chef” Lessei and Algeria’s Mohamed Younes Rabah. Lessei looks to rebound after falling short against interim champion Nico Carrillo, while Rabah aims to strengthen his case for a future World Title opportunity.
The card also features the return of several established names, including Stephen Irvine, Jihin Radzuan, Lito Adiwang, and former Lumpinee Stadium World Champion Suakim Pongsuphan PK, giving fans another deep lineup across multiple disciplines.
Looking Ahead
For Korean MMA, Lee’s appearance extends beyond the individual result. Every victory earned on ONE Championship’s global platform increases the visibility of Korea’s coaching talent and demonstrates that the country’s gyms continue producing athletes capable of competing against world-class opposition.
A strong performance against a proven wrestler like Masunyane would represent another meaningful step for Lee while reinforcing DK Gym’s growing reputation internationally. With ONE Championship continuing to showcase elite talent from across the globe, opportunities like this remain valuable not only for individual careers but also for the continued growth of Korean MMA on the sport’s biggest stages.
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