South Korea’s Seung Jun Lee “Hippo” looks to defend home turf against Kazakhstan’s rising knockout artist as TFC returns to Seoul on October 23.
South Korean MMA promotion TFC is preparing for a heavyweight showdown as Seung Jun Lee takes on Kazakhstan’s Muratzhan Yusupov in the main event of TFC 24: Break Through, scheduled for October 23, 2026, at the Textile Center’s Texpa Hall in Gangnam, Seoul.
The event will feature 20 fighters from South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Russia across 10 bouts, with the heavyweight headliner bringing together two contrasting styles: Lee’s calculated pressure and punching power against Yusupov’s speed, mobility, and aggressive striking.
For Lee, the matchup represents an opportunity to defend his home turf against an international prospect. For Yusupov, it is a chance to make a statement in his South Korean debut.
Kazakhstan’s “Bomba” Brings Knockout Power to Seoul
Muratzhan Yusupov arrives in South Korea carrying an impressive 6-1 professional record, with all six victories coming by knockout, according to TFC’s announcement.
The Kazakh fighter established his credentials early in his career, earning a silver medal at the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) World Championships during his youth.
Having competed across multiple weight classes, Yusupov has steadily moved up from welterweight into the heavier divisions. Most recently, he secured a light heavyweight victory on September 27, less than a month before his scheduled heavyweight appearance at TFC 24.
Despite weighing approximately 105 kilograms (231 pounds) outside competition, Yusupov reportedly retains the footwork, endurance, and movement developed during his time in the lighter divisions.
His wrestling defense has also improved considerably since his professional debut, adding another dimension to an already dangerous striking arsenal.
Known by the nickname “Bomba,” Yusupov has made it clear that he is not traveling to South Korea simply to compete.
“I’m ready to fight in any weight class, from lightweight to heavyweight. With my excellent wrestling and striking, I’ll knock out Seung Jun Lee easily and take the victory. Korean fans, watch closely as your fighter falls inside the cage.”
The confident declaration sets the stage for an explosive encounter against one of South Korea’s heavyweight representatives.
Seung Jun Lee Looks to Defend Home Turf
Standing across from Yusupov will be Seung Jun Lee, nicknamed “Hippo,” a heavyweight whose approach to MMA is built around discipline, consistency, and gradual improvement.
Lee embraces the philosophy of Ilil Sin U Il Sin (日日新又日新), a Korean expression rooted in the idea of renewing and improving oneself every day.
Rather than relying on dramatic changes, Lee focuses on incremental development through structured training and repetition.
His preparation has included demanding training sessions alongside established South Korean fighters such as UFC middleweight Jun Yong Park and former UFC light heavyweight Da Un Jung.
Those experiences have helped sharpen Lee’s technical jab, combination striking, conditioning, and mental toughness.
Against Yusupov, Lee will look to establish his jab, control the distance, and use his physical strength to disrupt the Kazakh fighter’s movement.
However, containing an opponent who has developed his speed and footwork across several weight classes could prove challenging.
Speed vs. Power: A Heavyweight Clash of Styles
The central storyline heading into TFC 24 is the contrast between Yusupov’s mobility and Lee’s physical power.
TFC official Sun Mook Hwang highlighted the stylistic challenge awaiting the South Korean heavyweight.
“Muratzhan has excellent technique, speed, and conditioning from competing in the lower weight classes, making him a very difficult opponent.”
Hwang also pointed to Lee’s strength advantage while warning about the danger of Yusupov’s elusive movement.
“Seung Jun Lee has the advantage in power, but he must be careful of Muratzhan’s slippery outside fighting and manage his stamina intelligently. That will be the key to the fight.”
For Yusupov, the objective will be to capitalize on his speed, create striking opportunities, and avoid prolonged exchanges where Lee can impose his strength.
Lee, meanwhile, will need to cut off the cage, establish his jab, and prevent Yusupov from dictating the pace.
With Yusupov’s six knockout victories and Lee’s reputation for heavy-handed striking, the main event carries the potential for a decisive finish.
TFC 24: Break Through — Event Details
| Date | Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| Venue | Texpa Hall, Textile Center, Gangnam, Seoul |
| Undercard | 4:00 PM KST |
| Main Card | 7:00 PM KST |
| Main Event | Seung Jun Lee vs. Muratzhan Yusupov — Heavyweight |
| Broadcast | IB Sports and TFC Korea YouTube (live) |
With fighters representing four nations and a heavyweight main event featuring two distinctly different approaches to MMA, TFC 24 promises an international showcase in the heart of Seoul.
For Yusupov, a victory would extend his momentum and establish him as a heavyweight threat beyond Kazakhstan. For Lee, defeating the visiting knockout artist would be an opportunity to demonstrate the results of his steady development against international competition.
On October 23, speed meets power as Seung Jun Lee and Muratzhan Yusupov collide in the TFC 24 main event.
Follow HanPunch for the latest Korean MMA news, exclusive fighter interviews, event coverage, and the stories shaping combat sports across Asia.
About The Author
Join the Conversation