[Star Daily News=Reporter Kim Nana] ROAD TO UFC Season 2 bantamweight (61.2kg) tournament winner Lee Chang-ho (30) is finally making his UFC debut.
The “Ant Hell” Lee Chang-ho (10 wins, 1 loss) will clash with “Are You Not Entertained?” Cortavious Romier (31, U.S.) in the 4th match of the main card at ‘UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs Murphy’ held at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on the upcoming 6th (Korean time).
It’s a debut that has been delayed for a long time due to consecutive misfortunes. The ROAD TO UFC (RTU) Season 2 bantamweight final in 2023 was delayed by half a year due to opponent Xiaolong’s injury. After winning in June last year, he secured a UFC contract but suffered an injury, resulting in another 10-month hiatus. Eventually, ROAD TO UFC Season 3 bantamweight winner Yoo Soo-young made a formal UFC debut first.
Lee Chang-ho said, “Watching (Yoo Soo-young) win overwhelmingly in his debut was motivating,” and added, “With my debut coming up soon, I can feel that I’m becoming a UFC fighter,” as he shared his thoughts on his first UFC match.
It’s time to showcase new weapons honed during the gap. Specializing in a strong ground and pound following a takedown, Lee Chang-ho has refined his striking skills during his break. He aims to amplify the power of grappling by first applying striking pressure like UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.
The first UFC opponent Romier is a good opponent to test the new Lee Chang-ho. Like Lee Chang-ho, Romier is an aggressive fighter who rushes at opponents based on powerful grappling. He signed a UFC contract last year and has recorded one loss. His overall record is 9 wins and 3 losses.
Lee Chang-ho confidently asserted victory, saying, “Romier has good physical strength but is somewhat crude,” and added, “I think I will overwhelm in all aspects, including technique and stamina.”
Romier welcomed the confrontation with Lee Chang-ho, stating, “We have similar yet different styles.” He said, “I also fight in muddy conditions, and so does Lee Chang-ho,” and added, “It was really a good decision by the UFC to pair me with Lee Chang-ho.” He has expectations for the match.
This match is between players from other UFC audition programs. Lee Chang-ho signed with the UFC through RTU, a gateway for Asia, while Romier took the global target DWCS path. DWCS has produced UFC champions like Jamahal Hill and Sean O’Malley. Lee Chang-ho expressed, “RTU fighters also have potential,” referring to this match as a “RTU vs DWCS showdown.”
Overseas bookmakers predict a slight advantage for Lee Chang-ho. The probability of Lee Chang-ho’s UFC debut win, reflected in the odds, is about 55%.
Recently, Lee Chang-ho has been gaining attention through movies, having the same name as the famous Go player Lee Chang-ho 9-dan. He stated, “I’ve known him well since childhood,” and added, “I will try to follow his career as much as possible,” expressing his ambition.
Finally, Lee Chang-ho conveyed his determination, saying, “Since it’s a long-awaited debut, I will fight fiercely and return with a victory.”
In the main event, UFC featherweight (65.8kg) ranked 8 Josh Emmett (40, U.S.) and 10 “Miracle” Lerone Murphy (33, England) will face off.
The veteran of the UFC featherweight division, Emmett (19 wins and 4 losses), must fend off the advance of undefeated rookie Murphy (15 wins and 1 draw).
It is a clash of opposing striker styles. Emmett is a heavy puncher boasting powerful one-punch knockouts. In the last match, he knocked out Bryce Mitchell, featherweight rank 12, whom Choi Doo-ho wished to fight, with just one punch. On the other hand, Murphy crafts decision wins through precise striking. Among his 7 wins in the UFC, 5 are by decision.
Emmett, evaluated as an underdog by bookmakers, confidently stated, “I can stake my house on it,” believing in his victory. Meanwhile, Murphy mentioned, “This match is a determinant for the next title challenger,” expressing his expectations for a title shot after a win.
The ‘UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs Murphy’ main card will be broadcast live from 10 AM on April 6 (Sunday) via TVING.
■ UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs Murphy Match Card
□ Main Card (TVING 10 AM)
[Featherweight] #8 Josh Emmett vs #10 Lerone Murphy
[Featherweight] Pat Sabatini vs Joanderson Brito
[Bantamweight] Cortevious Romier vs Lee Chang-ho
[Middleweight] Brad Tavares vs Gerald Meerschaert
[Flyweight] Ode Osbourne vs Luis Gurulé
[Middleweight] Torrez Finney vs Robert Valentin
□ Undercard (UFC Fight Pass 7 AM)
[Bantamweight] Davey Grant vs Daniel Santos
[Flyweight] Diana Belbita vs Jiony Barbosa
[Welterweight] Rhys McKee vs Daniel Prunza
[Women’s Strawweight] Roma Lookboonmee vs Pedro Falcao
[Heavyweight] Martin Buday vs Uransikaybaldiev
[Women’s Strawweight] Vanessa Demopoulos vs Talita Alencar
