Featherweight and flyweight action is set to continue in episode two of Road to UFC Season 4, which once again provides a pipeline for some of the top talent in Asia to make it to the UFC. With no Fight Night card or Pay-Per-View this week, it’s RTU 4 filling the gap. The show has become similar to a Contender Series or TUF for the region, but utilizing a grand prix style format, spread out throughout the year.
The first four episodes are live this week; here’s a look at how episode two breaks down!
Featherweight, Li Kaiwen (14-6) Vs. Seo Dong Hyun (7-2-1)
Li Kaiwen
-Volume striker
-Heavy hands
-Good right hand
-Dangerous pocket striker
-Good leg kicks
-Too willing to brawl
-Fight IQ lacks
-Not much off his back
-Sits in the pocket too long
-Lacks head movement
-TDD needs work
-Poor cardio
-Overzealous when chasing the finish
Kaiwen is getting a second chance on Road to UFC after falling short in the Season 2 finale against Yizha. Since that loss, he’s bounced back with two straight wins, earning his way back into the mix. It’s easy to see why he’s getting another shot: Kaiwen is always hunting for the finish and brings relentless pressure.
While his aggressive style makes him an exciting watch, it also exposes a lot of flaws in his game. He’s an in-your-face action fighter with minimal defense and questionable fight IQ. At times, it feels like he’s fighting for the sake of violence rather than aiming for a strategic win. Still, that chaos can be effective. His sheer offensive output makes him a dangerous threat to anyone standing across from him.
Seo Dong Hyun
-Good counter striker
-Heavy hands
-Good wrestling
-Good leg kicks
-Can throw too wild at times
-Suspect chin
It’s hard to understand the logic behind giving a Road to UFC slot to a 34-year-old. If the UFC is that interested in him, why not just sign him outright? Hyun is unbeaten in his last six, with a draw in the mix, and has clearly developed as a fighter over the years.
Early in his career, he was wild and unfocused, more chaos than structure. These days, he’s much more composed, picking his shots with patience and purpose. At his pace, Hyun is a quality operator: technical on the outside with sneaky power that can show up at any moment.
However, he becomes vulnerable under pressure. His defense isn’t equipped to handle sustained offense, and while he’s a decent counter striker, he struggles against volume and extended combinations. His chin also tends to float high, which raises concerns about his durability despite a solid overall skillset.
Prediction: This is solid matchmaking. Kaiwen’s getting a willing dance partner in Hyun. While Hyun could look to wrestle, I don’t think his ground game is strong enough to be a real factor. On the feet, both guys are dangerous but defensively flawed, which sets the stage for a chaotic striking battle.
Offensively, Kaiwen has the edge. He brings more volume, aggression, and a willingness to close distance and engage. Normally, I’d be concerned about him recklessly forcing the action, but in this matchup, that pressure could work in his favor.
I lean toward Kaiwen here, but it’s tough to be overly confident. Hyun carries real power and only needs one clean shot to change the fight.
