'Kim Dong-hyun's Student' Ko Seok-hyun: "My condition is too good, seeing the opponent gives me even more confidence"... Changing his nickname and preparing a wedding gift [UFC]

*This content was translated by AI.

Ko Seok-hyun (32), well known as a student of 'Stun Gun' Kim Dong-hyun, successfully passed the weigh-in. With his wedding just around the corner, he vowed to change his nickname and secure a finish in the upcoming fight.

On the 19th (Korean time), one day before the welterweight (77.1kg) match at 'UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs Usman' held at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, Ko Seok-hyun passed the weigh-in at 76.7kg.

His opponent, Jean-Paul Mendy (27, USA), recorded 77.6kg. However, under MMA unified rules, a margin of error of 0.45kg is allowed for standard weigh-ins, allowing him to pass the weigh-in successfully.

Ko Seok-hyun (13 wins, 2 losses) and Mendy (10 wins, 2 losses) met at the center of the stage during the weigh-in event, bowed respectfully, and shook hands. After the face-off, they smiled and shook hands again, vowing to perform well.

After the weigh-in, Ko Seok-hyun said, "I lost more weight than expected, so I focused on recovery first. My condition is excellent, and I don't think there's anything to worry about." He added, "Seeing my opponent gives me even more confidence. I will bring home a victory tomorrow. Fighting!" expressing his strong confidence.

Starting from this fight, he will change his nickname from the previous 'Korean Tyson' to 'Technical'. He explained, "My previous nickname was 'Korean Tyson', taken from Mike Tyson, so I wanted to have my own unique nickname instead of someone else's name."

Ko Seok-hyun is focusing more on himself than on his opponent, Mendy. He stated, "Rather than thinking too much about my opponent, it's important for me to develop as a fighter. All UFC fighters are strong, so I just want to focus on myself." He also expressed his ambition: "I haven't had a finish in the UFC yet, so this time I aim for a finish."

With his wedding scheduled for next month, he was busy with preparations but managed to concentrate on preparing for the fight. Ko Seok-hyun shared, "My fiancée told me that the match comes first. I am always grateful and love her." This makes the victory even more precious.

In the main event, former UFC middleweight (83.9kg) champion and current No. 2 ranked 'Stilnox' Dricus Du Plessis (32, South Africa) will face former UFC welterweight champion and current No. 9 ranked Kamaru Usman (39, USA/Nigeria).

At yesterday's weigh-in, Du Plessis (23 wins, 3 losses) recorded 84.1kg, hitting the upper limit for standard middleweight bouts. Usman (21 wins, 4 losses) came down at 84.4kg on the scale. During today's weigh-in event, Usman painted the Nigerian flag on his face and faced Du Plessis. Du Plessis raised his fist and approached Usman, while Usman leaned in closely, glaring at Du Plessis.

Usman warned, "I am one of the greatest fighters in history," adding, "Tomorrow, Du Plessis will realize that." Du Plessis responded, "I have a great fighter like Kamaru Usman," but insisted, "However, nothing he has experienced in his career so far will help him against me," confidently predicting victory.

Usman, who has competed in the welterweight division, is moving up to middleweight for the second time in his career. This marks about three years since he stepped in as a replacement against Hamzat Chimaev just 10 days before a fight following Paulo Costa's injury, resulting in a majority decision loss. At yesterday's media day, Usman revealed his reason for moving up: "I am now a 'moneyweight' fighter. Whether it's welterweight or middleweight, I will take any opportunity that comes my way, and perhaps even light heavyweight if the chance arises."

A former NCAA Division 2 wrestling champion and member of the 2010 USA University World Team, Usman indicated he would utilize all weapons, not just wrestling. He said, "I don't think I should just follow Chimaev's approach because he attacked with wrestling." He added, "It could be a striking match or a takedown battle." Emphasizing Du Plessis's strength, he stated, "Du Plessis fights fiercely, is big, and strong. It's not just about wrestling; I will become a well-rounded fighter and dominate in the way I am best at."

Du Plessis questioned Usman's motivation. While acknowledging, "Usman is an incredible fighter and a future Hall of Famer," he criticized, "Calling himself a 'moneyweight' fighter now means he'll go anywhere for money and no longer has a firm goal to become the world's best." He continued, "Since I started this sport, there has been one ultimate goal that guides me and motivates me: to become the greatest fighter in Earth's history. That is different from Usman."

Du Plessis aims to reclaim the title. He stated, "Winning alone is not enough. I must show unequivocally that I am the best in the world to be guaranteed another title shot." He raised his voice, saying, "I have beaten current champion Strickland twice. A rematch between Strickland, who has zero title defenses, and Chimaev cannot be justified."

The undercard featuring Ko Seok-hyun's 'UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs Usman' will be broadcast live on tvN SPORTS and TVING starting at 7 a.m. on the 19th. The main card begins at 9 a.m.

■ UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs Usman Weigh-in Results

△ Main Card (tvN SPORTS/TVING, 9 a.m.)

[Middleweight] #2 Dricus Du Plessis (185.5) vs #9 Kamaru Usman (186)

[Middleweight] #10 Jared Cannonier (185) vs #12 Christian Leroy Duncan (185.5)

[Lightweight] Chase Hooper (157.5)* vs Mitch Ramirez (155.5)

[Bantamweight] #8 Tabatha Ricci (116) vs #11 Fatima Cline ()

[Featherweight] Tommy McMillan (146) vs Alberto Montes (146)

△ Undercard (tvN SPORTS/TVING, 7 a.m.)

[Featherweight] Austin Bash (145) vs Jose Miguel Delgado (146)

[Welterweight] Jean-Paul Mendy (171) vs Ko Seok-hyun (169)

[Light Heavyweight] Levi Rodriguez (206) vs Felipe Franca (205)

[Flyweight] Ezra Elliott (147.5)** vs Damian Anderson (146)

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*This content was translated by AI.