Phil Rowe and Ko Seok-hyun squared off in a pivotal welterweight battle on Saturday at UFC Vegas 110, with both fighters looking to rebuild momentum and climb the division.
Rowe (11-5) entered the bout looking to build momentum after a June victory over Ange Loosa. While he remains active outside the UFC through frequent grappling competitions, his Octagon results have been marked by inconsistency throughout his promotional tenure.
Ko (12-2) gets his second official UFC bout after earning a contract at DWCS in 2024. ‘The Korean Tyson’ took a decision victory over Oban Elliot in his official UFC debut in June.
Round 1: Ko wasted little time securing a takedown, forcing the much taller Rowe to work off his back early. Rowe threatened an omoplata in an attempt to scramble to his feet, but Ko defended well and maintained top control.
Rowe worked back toward the fence and briefly stood, only for Ko to stay attached, delivering knees to the legs and body before dragging him down again. The round closed with Ko landing elbows from top position.
Round 2 – With a round behind him, Ko came out confident, connecting with a leg kick, a jab, and then a right hand that rocked Rowe. Rowe attempted to fire back, but Ko quickly took him down again.
Ko went right to work from top position, landing elbows before settling in and continuing to chip away. Rowe struggled to create space or find a submission, appearing hesitant at times as he searched for answers off his back.
He couldn’t stop Ko from dragging him away from the fence or landing short shots in tight. The round closed with Ko once again in dominant top position.
Round 3 – Rowe entered the final round needing a finish, but hesitation again proved costly. Ko continued attacking the lead leg with repeated calf kicks and feints, drawing reactions before baiting Rowe into opening up and scoring another clean takedown. From top position, he delivered heavy elbows as Rowe struggled to respond.
Rowe eventually made it back to his feet, but Ko stayed attached, smothering him against the fence like a predator closing in. The fight ended with Ko pressing for another takedown along the cage, sealing a dominant performance.
A clear and convincing victory for Seok-Hyun Ko.
Official Result: Seok-Hyun Ko def. Phil Rowe via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
