A battle of Contender Series winners played out at UFC Oklahoma City when Seok Hyeon Ko took on Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani.
Ko was a 2024 DWCS grad, while Lebosnoyani competed in 2025, with both winning contracts and neither having lost under the UFC banner to date. That was set to change following Saturday’s welterweight showdown.
The welterweights met in the center to open the first round, with Ko getting an early start on his kicking game. The two quickly engaged in a wild exchange after Lebosnoyani threw his first strike of the fight, but the pace soon slowed as Ko attempted a judo throw that was defended by Lebosnoyani. Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani capitalized on the opportunity, securing a takedown of his own, but Ko impressively worked his way back to his feet as the two resumed striking. Back at range, South Korea’s Ko began landing the heavier shots, though perhaps the biggest moment of the opening round came when Lebosnoyani threatened a tight guillotine before swinging for the fences in the closing seconds.
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani pushed forward to begin the second round, using explosive bursts to close the distance on Ko. Seok-Heyon Ko attempted to halt the American’s momentum with a perfectly timed level change, but Lebosnoyani immediately threatened another guillotine in response. Ko remained composed, slipping free of the choke to secure top control, though the momentum appeared to be shifting in Lebosnoyani’s favor. Finding success behind his jab while mixing in his offensive wrestling, the American looked to be pulling away before the South Korean fought his way back to his feet, closing the round at striking range.
With the fight closely contested through two rounds, the welterweights showed mutual respect by meeting in the center and embracing before the final five minutes began. Ko established his jab once again in the third, while Lebosnoyani looked to force another chaotic exchange. Ko was able to time a sharp elbow as the American entered the pocket, the South Korean’s power beginning to overwhelm his opponent. Lebosnoyani, however, refused to go away quietly, forcing the action once more and landing one final takedown. Ko quickly escaped danger, and the two traded strikes until the final horn.
Ultimately, it was Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani who earned the decision over Seok-Heyon Ko in a closely contested welterweight matchup. Lebosnoyani improves to 11-2 as a professional, extending his undefeated UFC run, while Ko falls to 13-3, suffering his first loss with the promotion.
Official Result: Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani def. Seok Hyeon Ko by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
