UFC Vegas 124: Cortes-Acosta vs. Walker continues on the prelims with a welterweight fight between Seokhyeon Ko and returning Brazilian Wellington Turman. Check out our UFC Vegas 124 odds series for our Ko-Turman prediction and pick.
Seokhyeon Ko (13-3) steps into the Octagon after a unanimous decision loss to Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani in July, following a decision win over Phil Rowe last November. The South Korean standout is looking to rebound as he comes into his fight this weekend against Wellington Turman.
Wellington Turman (18-8) has been out of action since December 2023, when the Brazilian lost the last of three straight fights. Those defeats came against Jared Gooden, Randy Brown, and Andre Petroski as he comes into his fight this weekend against Seokhyeon Ko.
UFC Vegas 124 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings
UFC Vegas 124 Odds: Seokhyeon Ko-Wellington Turman Odds
Seokhyeon Ko: -675
Wellington Turman: +490
Over 1.5 rounds: -200
Under 1.5 rounds: +154
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Seokhyeon Ko Will Win
Seokhyeon Ko enters as the clear favorite because he is active, composed, and technically sharper. Wellington Turman has been away for nearly three years, which creates major rust.
Ko has shown he can handle both striking and wrestling in the UFC. That versatility lets him change tactics if Turman finds early success.
His debut win over Oban Elliott and decision over Phil Rowe both showed patient control. Even in the loss to Lebosnoyani, he stayed competitive against a rising welterweight.
Turman's recent losses suggest he can be taken down and controlled. Ko can use that weakness to set a methodical pace.
The Korean should avoid wild exchanges and keep his output clean. Expect Ko to mix takedowns, jabs, and body work before winning a lopsided decision.
Why Wellington Turman Will Win
Wellington Turman has the experience to cause problems if he can find his timing early. His size and willingness to brawl make him a live underdog despite the layoff.
Ko is patient, but that patience can invite pressure from a veteran who knows how to close distance. Turman can try to turn the fight rough.
Turman has shared the cage with higher-level opposition than most debutants face. That experience may help him stay calm if the first round gets messy.
If Ko gets too comfortable, Turman can land a counter and change the tempo. A single big shot would reverse the betting narrative.
Article Continues BelowHis path requires a fast start and active defense against takedowns. Expect Turman to win only if he hurts Ko early and avoids the long grappling sequences.
Final Ko-Turman Prediction & Pick
Seokhyeon Ko is the logical choice because he is active, technical, and far more recently competitive. Turman's long layoff makes it difficult to trust his timing, conditioning, and defensive reactions.
Ko has a well-rounded game that should let him choose where the fight happens. If Turman presses, Ko can wrestle; if Turman waits, Ko can build with jabs and kicks.
Turman has enough power to make a mistake costly, so Ko should avoid gambling for a finish. His path is patient control, accumulating damage, and forcing Turman to chase.
Turman has been taken down before, which supports a grinding rather than explosive fight. Expect Ko to dominate and win by decision, with a late stoppage possible.
Final Seok Hyeon Ko-Wellington Turman Prediction & Pick: Seok Hyeon Ko (-675), OVER 1.5 rounds (-200)