MMA Match Preview: Phil Rowe (11-5-0) vs. Seokhyon Ko (12-2-0)
Venue & Fight Details
Event: UFC Fight Night 263
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Time: Main card begins 7:00 PM ET
Division: Welterweight (170 lbs)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Injury Report
Phil Rowe: No reported injuries; enters after a full training camp.
Seokhyon Ko: Healthy; cleared after June 2025 win over Oban Elliott.
Fighter Matchups
Phil Rowe:
Style: Long, rangy striker with knockout power.
Strengths: 6’3” frame with 80” reach, sharp boxing, opportunistic submissions.
Weaknesses: Takedown defense inconsistent; cardio fades in later rounds.
Seokhyon Ko:
Style: Grappling-heavy with improving striking.
Strengths: Relentless takedown game, strong top control, five-fight win streak.
Weaknesses: Still untested against elite UFC competition; striking defense can be porous.
Recent Form
Phil Rowe:
Win – Ange Loosa (KO, Jun 2025)
Loss – Jake Matthews (UD, Jun 2024)
Loss – Neil Magny (UD, Jun 2023)
Win – Niko Price (TKO, Dec 2022)
Seokhyon Ko:
Win – Oban Elliott (UD, Jun 2025)
Win – Billy Goff (canceled bout, May 2025)
Win – Regional circuit victories (2023–24)
Currently riding a five-fight winning streak
Fight History & Styles Clash
This is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup:
Rowe will look to use his reach and striking power to keep Ko at distance.
Ko will aim to close distance, secure takedowns, and grind Rowe down with control.
If Rowe can stuff early takedowns, his knockout power could be decisive; if Ko drags it to the mat, his path to victory widens.
Betting Trends
Rowe: 3 of last 4 wins by KO/TKO; 4 of last 5 fights ended inside the distance.
Ko: 4 of last 5 wins by decision; tends to control pace and grind opponents.
Totals: Rowe fights trend Under, Ko fights trend Over.
Line Movement: Ko opened -150, bet up slightly to -160 as money came in on the Korean prospect.
FIGHT ODDS
Phil Rowe + 135
Seokhyon Ko – 160
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, October 31, 2025
