Phil Rowe vs Seokhyeon Ko Fight Analysis & Odds

Phil Rowe vs Seokhyeon Ko Fight Analysis

As the lights dim and the roar of the crowd crescendos at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, fight fans around the globe will zero in on one of the most intriguing Welterweight matchups of the evening. Scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, at approximately 8:00 PM PT during the Preliminary Card of UFC Fight Night: Garcia vs Onama, this clash pits the crafty American striker Phil Rowe against the formidable South Korean judoka Seokhyeon Ko in what promises to be a high-stakes battle for ascending the welterweight hierarchy.

Fight Details at a Glance

• Event: UFC Fight Night – Garcia vs Onama
• Date: November 1, 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM PT (Preliminary Card)
• Venue: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, NV, United States
• Weight Class: Welterweight (170 lb)

The Favorites and the Underdogs

In the world of UFC betting, every oddsmaker’s line tells a story, and in this contest, the story heavily favors Seokhyeon Ko. Opening as a -185 favorite at BetOnline.ag, Ko enters the octagon with a polished 12–2–0 professional record, showcasing a blend of top-tier judo pedigree, a 53% significant strike accuracy, and a staunch 75% takedown defense. The 31-year-old from Busan made an emphatic UFC debut just this past June, securing a unanimous decision win over Oban Elliott and rapidly establishing himself as a rising contender in the 170-pound division.

On the flip side, the American technician Phil Rowe carries underdog odds of +160 into this matchup. The 34-year-old Brooklyn native boasts an 11–5–0 record, underpinned by seven knockouts and four submissions, and a striking accuracy of 50%. Despite a setback to Jake Matthews earlier this year, Rowe has twice demonstrated his late-round finishing prowess, most recently stepping into the win column with a third-round TKO over Ange Loosa in June. His 80.5-inch reach and boxing-centric approach have proven dangerous for opponents who underestimate his power and resilience.

Why This Bout Matters

With neither fighter cracking the current top 15 rankings, this showdown represents more than just another spot on the preliminary card—it’s a critical crossroads for both men. A dominant performance for Ko could further cement his rapid ascent and catapult him into the conversation for more prominent matchups. Conversely, a high-octane finish or tactical masterclass from Rowe could resurrect his winning momentum and propel him toward the rankings conversation he’s been chasing since his UFC debut in early 2021.

As the prelims roll on and the fighters make their final walkouts, all eyes will be on how Ko’s grappling acumen matches up against Rowe’s striking arsenal. With stylistic contrasts, divergent career trajectories, and clear betting lines defining the tale, the stakes have never been higher. Buckle up for an explosive welterweight battle that could set the tone for the remainder of the UFC 2025 welterweight landscape.

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Phil Rowe vs Seokhyeon Ko can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Garcia vs Onama can be found on the Garcia vs Onama event page.

Matchup and Fighter Profiles

Seokhyeon Ko – The Rising Judoka

Age: 31
Country: South Korea
Fighting Style: Judo

Seokhyeon Ko (12–2–0) burst onto the UFC scene in June 2025, showcasing textbook judo throws, scrambles, and a solid striking base. Though his UFC résumé currently consists of a single unanimous decision victory over Oban Elliott, his pre-UFC run featured six knockouts and four first-round finishes—evidence of his lethal combination of clinch work and ground control.

Recent Form (Last 3–5 Fights)

• Ko vs. Elliott – Win by Decision (Unanimous)
• Prior to UFC: four first-round finishes and one second-round KO in regional promotions

Strengths:

• Takedown Defense (75%) – Ko shuts down opponents’ wrestling attempts with hip control and throw defense.
• Take Down Accuracy (53%) – His judo entries convert more than half of his takedown attempts, often immediately threatening submissions.
• Durable Chin & Cardio – He’s never been finished, surviving deep into the championship rounds (his average fight time sits at a full 15:00).
• Balanced Striking – A 53% significant strike accuracy shows he can both set up throws with strikes and punish opponents on the feet.

Weaknesses:

• Striking Defense (59%) – While respectable, he leaves openings that a heavy hitter could exploit, especially against longer-range boxers.
• Limited UFC Experience – Only one fight under the bright lights; may face octagon jitters or navigate pace differently against a seasoned UFC veteran.

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Phil Rowe – The Power-Punching Boxer

Age: 34
Country: United States
Fighting Style: Boxing

Phil Rowe (11–5–0) is a proven knockout artist with a sharp boxing pedigree and massive reach (80.5″ arm span). Since his UFC debut in February 2021, Rowe has alternated devastating TKO victories with competitive decision losses, demonstrating both finishing ability and resilience.

Recent Form (Last 5 Fights)

• Rowe vs. Loosa – Win by TKO (3rd round, 4:03)
• Rowe vs. Matthews – Loss by Unanimous Decision
• Rowe vs. Magny – Loss by Split Decision
• Rowe vs. Price – Win by TKO (3rd round, 3:26)
• Rowe vs. Witt – Win by TKO (2nd round, 2:15)

Strengths:

• Striking Power & Pace – Seven career knockouts and a 50% significant strike accuracy make him dangerous from the opening bell.
• Reach Advantage – At 75″ tall with an 80.5″ arm reach, he can control distance and land jabs and straights from outside.
• Finishing Instinct – Three first-round finishes and multiple late-round TKOs highlight his ability to adapt and close out fights.

Weaknesses:

• Takedown Defense (57%) – Struggles against strong wrestlers or grapplers; far below Ko’s 75% mark, he’s vulnerable to judo throws and clinch control.
• Striking Defense (53%) – His guard can be penetrated by high-volume strikers, setting up dangerous exchanges or counter-takedown scenarios.
• Inconsistency Against Top-Tier Opposition – Losses to Matthews and Magny expose potential lapses in game planning and endurance over three full rounds.

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Tactical Outlook:
This stylistic clash pits Ko’s elite judo and takedown defense against Rowe’s long-range boxing and knockout power. Ko will look to close distance, secure clinches, and grind out top control, while Rowe aims to keep the fight upright, utilize his jab, and capitalize on Ko’s moderate striking defense. The key to victory for Ko lies in neutralizing Rowe’s reach and pace; for Rowe, it’s maintaining distance, defending the clinch, and setting up powerful counters. The winner will be the fighter who imposes his rhythm and minimizes the other’s biggest strength.

Odds and Line Movement

Current Betting Odds

• Seokhyeon Ko: –185 (BetOnline.ag)
• Phil Rowe: +160 (BetOnline.ag)

As it stands, Seokhyeon Ko is the clear favorite, priced at –185 across most major sportsbooks, while Phil Rowe sits comfortably in underdog territory at +160. The line gap reflects oddsmakers’ confidence in Ko’s judo-driven takedown game and undefeated UFC run, contrasted with Rowe’s streaky performances and vulnerability to grappling specialists. If you’re shopping around, BetOnline.ag presently offers the most consistent odds on both fighters and reliable promotions for UFC action, making it our top recommended sportsbook.

Line Movement & Trends

• Ko opened at –200 on the morning of October 23. Since then, his price has shortened to –185, indicating steady backing from bettors who believe his grappling edge will decide the contest.
• Rowe initially debuted at +170 and has since drifted slightly to +160, suggesting contrarian support from punters attracted by his heavy hands and the upside of a big-money underdog play.

These shifts aren’t seismic but do reveal a traditional market response: money on the favorite pushes his line down, while underdog dollars keep his price attractive to value seekers. No sudden swings or dramatic reversals have occurred, pointing to a measured, informed betting base rather than a flurry of last-minute action.

Potential Payouts & Implied Probabilities

If you’re considering a $1,000 wager:

• A winning bet on Ko at –185 would yield roughly $540 in profit (for a total return of about $1,540).
• A victorious $1,000 stake on Rowe at +160 returns a profit of $1,600 (for a total payout of $2,600).

Based on the current lines, Ko carries an implied win probability of around 65%, while Rowe’s odds translate to roughly a 38% chance of pulling off the upset. These figures illustrate why Ko is priced as the favorite, yet they also spotlight the lucrative upside for those backing Rowe to defy expectations.

Betting Strategy & Final Thoughts

• Value Play: If you believe Ko’s grappling will dominate, locking in the favorite at –185 before it drops closer to –200 offers the best risk-adjusted return.
• Upset Alert: Backing Rowe at +160 provides significant upside, especially if you expect him to keep the fight standing and land power shots early.

Regardless of your pick, monitor BetOnline.ag for potential odds boosts and early props on method of victory or round props. With minimal line volatility so far, now is an ideal window to secure your position before volume builds and lines tighten further.