- Name
- Chang Ho Lee
- Nationality
South Korea- Weight Class
- Bantamweight
- Korean Name
- 이창호
- Hometown
- Seoul, South Korea
- Professional Debut
- 2017
- Nickname
- N/A
- Fighting Out Of
- Goyang, South Korea
- Height
- 5'8" (173cm)
- Reach
- 69" (175 cm)
- Weight
- 135.5 lbs
- Birthday
- May 9, 1994
- Age
- 32
1. Overview
Chang Ho Lee is a South Korean bantamweight mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC. Representing Extreme Combat, Lee rose to international prominence by winning the Road to UFC Season 2 Bantamweight Tournament and earning a UFC contract.
Known for his relentless grappling pressure, cardio, and ability to control opponents over three rounds, Lee has become one of the leading Korean representatives in the UFC bantamweight division. Since making his UFC debut in 2024, he has compiled victories over Xiao Long, Cortavious Romious, and Timmy Cuamba while continuing to develop against world-class competition.
Lee’s rise from the Korean regional circuit to the UFC reflects both the growth of Korean MMA and the success of the Road to UFC development pathway.
Fighter Record
Official fight records, fight history, and statistical data are maintained by third-party databases and may change as new bouts are added. Readers can view the most up-to-date record information through the sources listed below.
Record Sources
2. Early Life & Background
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Chang Ho Lee did not begin mixed martial arts at an unusually young age compared to many modern prospects. According to interviews, he has stated that he initially entered MMA because he wanted to become stronger and build confidence. What began as self-improvement eventually developed into a professional career.
As his skills progressed, Chang Ho Lee joined Extreme Combat, where he developed into one of the top bantamweight prospects on the Korean regional scene. His steady improvement eventually earned opportunities with BRAVE CF, Black Combat, and Road to UFC.
3. Fighting Style
Striking
Chang Ho Lee’s striking has evolved significantly throughout his career. While initially known more for his wrestling and pressure, he has developed increasingly effective stand-up skills, including multiple knockout victories throughout his professional career. Six of his professional victories have come via knockout or technical knockout.
His UFC victory over Cortavious Romious showcased his improving offensive striking and finishing instincts.
Grappling
Grappling remains the foundation of Lee’s success. He excels at clinch work, positional control, takedowns, and sustained pressure. His Road to UFC tournament run was largely built upon his ability to overwhelm opponents through wrestling and ground control.
Physical Attributes
At 5-foot-8 with a 69-inch reach, Lee possesses solid physical dimensions for the bantamweight division. His greatest physical strengths are his conditioning and pace, which allow him to maintain pressure throughout a fight.
Intangibles
Few Korean fighters have demonstrated Lee’s consistency and discipline. His ability to execute game plans, remain composed under pressure, and continuously improve has been a defining factor in his rise to the UFC.
4. Professional Career
Regional Circuit Success
Chang Ho Lee began his professional MMA career in 2017 and steadily built experience throughout Korea and Asia. Early victories established him as a prospect to watch within the bantamweight division.
Black Combat and Domestic Growth
One of Lee’s notable domestic victories came against Chang Hyun Shin during the Black Combat Champions League. The win helped solidify his reputation as one of Korea’s top bantamweight prospects.
Road to UFC Tournament Champion
The defining moment of Chang Ho Lee’s career came during Road to UFC Season 2. He defeated Rana Rudra Pratap Singh, Zhawupasi Daermisi, and Xiao Long to capture the tournament championship and secure a UFC contract.
His tournament run showcased his wrestling, toughness, and ability to perform under pressure against high-level international competition.
UFC Career
Chang Ho Lee made his UFC debut in June 2024, earning a split decision victory over Xiao Long in the Road to UFC final. He followed that performance with an impressive second-round TKO victory over Cortavious Romious, earning a Performance Bonus in the process.
In November 2025, Lee defeated Timmy Cuamba via unanimous decision, further establishing himself within the UFC bantamweight division. Although he later experienced setbacks against stronger competition, his overall UFC trajectory remains promising.
5. Career Highlights
Championships
- Road to UFC Season 2 Bantamweight Tournament Champion
Notable Victories
- Timmy Cuamba
- Cortavious Romious
- Xiao Long
- Zhawupasi Daermisi
- Rana Rudra Pratap Singh
- Chang Hyun Shin
Major Accomplishments
- UFC Fighter
- Road to UFC Bantamweight Champion
- UFC Performance Bonus Winner
- Former BRAVE CF Competitor
- One of South Korea’s leading active bantamweights
Career Milestones
- Won Road to UFC Season 2
- Earned UFC Contract
- UFC Debut Victory
- UFC Performance Bonus Recipient
6. HanPunch Rating
Overall Grade: A
Striking ████████░░ 82
Grappling █████████░ 90
Athleticism █████████░ 87
Durability █████████░ 86
Fight IQ █████████░ 89
Championship Potential █████████░ 88
Marketability ████████░░ 80
HanPunch Assessment
Chang Ho Lee has proven himself at every level he has competed. His Road to UFC championship, UFC victories, and continued development suggest he possesses the tools necessary to become a long-term fixture in the UFC bantamweight division.
While he may not yet possess the profile of a title contender, his skill set and work ethic make him one of Korea’s strongest UFC prospects outside the established veteran names.
7. Summary & Trajectory
Chang Ho Lee represents the modern generation of Korean MMA fighters: technically sound, disciplined, and capable of competing internationally from the beginning of their careers.
Chang Ho Lee’s Road to UFC success demonstrated that he belongs among Asia’s elite bantamweights, while his early UFC victories confirmed that his game translates to the highest level of the sport.
The next phase of his career will be defined by matchups against increasingly ranked opposition. If he continues improving his striking while maintaining his elite grappling foundation, Lee has the potential to become one of South Korea’s most successful UFC bantamweights of the current era.
