Main Card Announced For First Seoul Event

Singapore – UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, has officially confirmed the main card for its upcoming inaugural live event in Seoul, Korea on November 28, 2015, held at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Arena.  

Former UFC lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson (22-5-0, fighting out of Glendale Arizona, USA) is looking to shake up the welterweight division in his second fight at 170 pounds after a successful debut against Brandon Thatch. Henderson, who is proudly half Korean, will also be taking his second fight in Asia after successfully defeating Frankie Edgar by unanimous decision in Japan three years ago.

Looking to put a stop to Henderson’s success is Brazilian Thiago Alves (26-10-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida USA). A mainstay of the division going back to 2005, “The Pitbull” challenged Georges St-Pierre for the title in 2009 and developed a reputation as one the most feared fighters in the weightclass.  Mixing it up with a background in Muay Thai striking and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Alves looks to not just win but win decisively, as his four career fight night bonuses attest.  

The co-main includes Korean fan favorite heavyweight Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović (31-11-2, 1NC, fighting out of Zagreb Croatia) as he continues to grow his legend by breaking new ground in Korea. No stranger to fighting in Asia, the former Croatian Special Forces law enforcement officer has fought over 30 fights in Japan over the course of his illustrious career. Returning to the UFC this past April, Cro Cop avenged an earlier loss to Gabriel Gonzaga and reestablished himself as one of the most feared strikers on the planet.

Facing off against Cro Cop will be the towering Anthony Hamilton (14-4-0, fighting out of Albuquerque USA). The 6’ 5” All American wrestler is relatively new to the UFC but is quickly building a reputation as an aggressive combatant who plows straight into his opponents and tears them down, earning him the nickname “Freight Train”.  A win over a legend like Cro Cop would give Hamilton a signature victory to propel him into the mix in the heavyweight division.  

Also joining UFC’s first ever  event in Korea is arguably the most successful Korean mixed martial artist ever Dong Hyun “The Stun Gun” Kim (20-3-1, fighting out of Busan Korea).  Already a hero in his country, fans across Korea will finally have the opportunity to watch Kim’s explosive skills live inside the Octagon®. While expectations will be high, Kim is ready to carry the hopes of his nation on his shoulders.  

Standing in his way will be Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (29-9-0, Fighting out of Miami USA). A long time veteran of the sport, Masvidal recently returned to the welterweight ranks with a highlight real knockout of Cezar Ferriera and looks to make waves in his new division.   A win over the seventh-ranked Kim will prime Masvidal for a title run at 170lbs.  

Making his return to the Octagon® will be UFC veteran and decorated Judoka Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5-0, Fighting out of Osaka Japan). The Asia superstar will be returning for his first fight since his unanimous victory against American Amir Sadollah in 2014 after a two year layoff.   Akiyama will be hoping that his first UFC fight in his home nation will propel him to victory and a chance to move up the welterweight rankings.  

Hoping to ruin the homecoming is Alberto “Soldier of God” Mina (11-0-0, Fighting out of Hong Kong SAR), a jiu-jitsu blackbelt and teacher based in Hong Kong. Undefeated in his UFC career, the 33-year-old Brazilian is looking to add one more to his unblemished winning streak.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT® SEOUL go on sale Tuesday, Sep 8 via Interpark, www.interpark.com, to mark this historic occasion, the UFC will come to Seoul with their headliner giving fans access to these world-class athletes.  More details about how fans can participate in the UFC”s official on-sale press conference will be released on their Facebook Asia page.

For more information or current fight news, visit ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.