The welterweight fight between UFC newcomer Seokhyeon Ko and rising star Oban Elliott is set for Saturday, June 21, 2025, on the Baku Fight Night preliminary card. Elliott enters as a heavy favorite, boasting a perfect 3–0 UFC record, whereas Ko remains untested at this level. Before these fighters step into the octagon, you can keep reading to get my Seokhyeon Ko vs Oban Elliott prediction.
Our Seokhyeon Ko vs Oban Elliott Pick
- Pick: Oban Elliott by decision
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
- Bonus Bets For This Fight: You can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win. Just use BetMGM promo code ATSBONUS before fight night.
Tale of the Tape
| Oban Elliott | Seokhyeon Ko | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 27 | 31 |
| Height | 6′0″ | 5′10″ |
| Reach | 72″ | 72″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Record | 12–2–0 | 11–2–0 |
Seokhyeon Ko vs Oban Elliott Preview
Elliott has quickly made waves since debuting in February 2024, securing three UFC wins, including a third‑round KO and two unanimous decisions. He possesses solid striking accuracy (54%), solid striking defense, and a wrestling base with 50% takedown accuracy. Half of his career wins have come by decision, showing that he is dangerous but does not overextend himself and leave himself vulnerable to finishes on the other side.
Ko is making his proper UFC debut in this fight, after a unanimous decision win over Igor Cavalcanti in Dana White’s Contender Series. The bulk of his experience before that DWCS win has come in Angel’s Fighting Championship, where he was undefeated. His only two losses came in one-off appearances in other promotions and Ko will look to make his mark in his first UFC fight.
Betting Insights
- Moneyline markets heavily favor Elliott: BetMGM has Elliott as a -500 favorite, while Ko is at +375 to win in his first UFC fight.
- The total rounds market for this fight is set at 2.5, with the over favored, implying that we are expected to see a fight go the distance.
Oban Elliott vs Seokhyeon Ko Prediction
The mismatch in experience and skill depth leans heavily in Elliott’s favor going into this fight. His wrestling should allow him to control where the fight goes. If it stays standing, his defense and grappling threat will disrupt Ko’s rhythm. If it goes to the mat, Elliott’s comfort there should allow him to control things and either get a stoppage or win on points.
Expect Elliott to dictate pace, mixing strikes with takedowns to prevent Ko from settling into a striking flow. Ko’s accuracy is admirable, but his lack of experience and grappling vulnerability make it unlikely he sustains prolonged success against a seasoned opponent. A decision win for Elliott seems most probable outcome in what should be an interesting prelim matchup.
