South Korean welterweight, Seok Hyeon Ko, looks to continue his rise against an experienced Brazilian submission specialist on November 7 in Las Vegas.
South Korean welterweight Seok Hyeon Ko is preparing for another important test inside the Octagon as he takes on Brazilian veteran Wellington Turman at UFC Vegas 124 on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The bout is scheduled to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The matchup brings together two fighters with contrasting strengths. Ko has built his reputation around physical pressure, powerful wrestling, and positional control, while Turman brings extensive Octagon experience and a dangerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submission game.
With Ko entering as a significant betting favorite, the fight represents an opportunity for the Korean prospect to strengthen his position in the UFC’s competitive welterweight division.
Ko Looks to Build Momentum in the UFC
Carrying a professional record of 13–3, Ko has established himself as a physically imposing competitor whose wrestling-heavy approach can create problems for opponents throughout a three-round contest.
Rather than relying exclusively on striking exchanges, Ko frequently uses forward pressure to close distance, initiate clinches, and bring opponents to the canvas. Once he establishes top position, his strength and control make it difficult for opponents to create separation.
His ability to combine wrestling with ground-and-pound has become an important part of his fighting identity. Nearly half of his professional victories have come by knockout or technical knockout, demonstrating that his offensive game extends beyond simply controlling opponents on the mat.
Against Turman, Ko will have an opportunity to show whether his grappling can neutralize a more submission-oriented opponent with considerable UFC experience.
Wellington Turman Brings Experience and Submission Threats
Turman enters the matchup with an 18–8 professional record and a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Brazilian has accumulated seven submission victories throughout his professional career, making him a dangerous opponent even when fighting from defensive positions.
Standing six feet tall, Turman will hold a two-inch height advantage and a slight reach advantage over Ko. Those physical advantages could prove useful if he can maintain distance and prevent the Korean fighter from establishing his preferred wrestling exchanges.
Turman has also demonstrated the ability to attack with combinations and leg kicks, giving him options to disrupt Ko’s forward movement.
However, defensive wrestling could become a major concern. Turman’s reported takedown defense of approximately 42 percent suggests that Ko may find opportunities to bring the fight to the ground.
For Turman, the challenge will be to prevent Ko from establishing prolonged top control while remaining dangerous with submission attempts and scrambles.
Wrestling Against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The most compelling aspect of this matchup is the potential grappling battle.
Seok Hyeon Ko’s wrestling is built around controlling where the fight takes place. He is comfortable pressing opponents against the fence, chaining takedown attempts together, and maintaining dominant positions once the action reaches the canvas.
Turman’s submission background creates a different kind of threat.
Although Ko may have the advantage in takedown offense, securing top position against a skilled submission grappler is not without risk. Turman could look to attack from guard, threaten submissions during transitions, or use Ko’s forward pressure to create opportunities for reversals.
The key for Ko will be maintaining positional discipline. Avoiding unnecessary scrambles and controlling Turman’s hips and upper body could allow him to accumulate meaningful control time without exposing himself to submissions.
If Ko successfully establishes his wrestling early, the Brazilian may be forced to spend considerable energy defending takedowns and working back to his feet.
Striking Exchanges Could Determine the Pace
While grappling is expected to play a central role, the stand-up exchanges could influence how the fight develops.
Both fighters reportedly average approximately 3.2 significant strikes landed per minute, suggesting that neither enters with an overwhelming statistical advantage in striking volume.
Ko fights from a southpaw stance, while Turman operates primarily from orthodox. The opposing stances could create opportunities for both fighters to attack from different angles.
Turman may look to use his reach advantage, leg kicks, and combinations to interrupt Ko’s forward movement.
Ko, meanwhile, will likely seek to use his striking to create openings for clinches and takedowns rather than engage in extended exchanges at distance.
The fighter who controls the distance will have a significant advantage in determining the direction of the contest.
A Favorable Matchup, but Not Without Risks
Early betting lines have reportedly installed Seok Hyeon Ko as a substantial favorite, with odds around -800 compared with +510 for Turman.
Those figures reflect expectations that Ko’s physicality, wrestling pressure, and ability to dictate the pace will be difficult for the Brazilian to overcome.
However, Turman’s experience and submission ability make him a dangerous opponent to underestimate.
For Ko, this matchup is about more than securing another victory. A convincing performance against an experienced UFC competitor would provide further evidence that his wrestling-based approach can succeed against different styles at the highest level.
For Turman, defeating a heavily favored prospect would represent a significant opportunity to rebuild momentum and demonstrate that his experience remains an important asset.
HanPunch Fight Prediction
Ko appears to hold the stylistic advantage heading into the contest.
His ability to apply consistent wrestling pressure should give him opportunities to control the fight, particularly if Turman struggles to defend takedowns along the fence.
Turman’s submission game remains the biggest danger, especially during transitions and scrambles. However, if Ko maintains positional discipline and avoids unnecessary risks, he should be able to limit those opportunities.
A measured approach built around takedowns, top control, and ground-and-pound gives Ko a clear path to victory.
Prediction: Seok Hyeon Ko defeats Wellington Turman by unanimous decision, with a late ground-and-pound stoppage also a realistic possibility.
A victory on November 7 would represent another positive step for Ko as he continues working toward greater recognition in the UFC’s welterweight division.
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