Former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion, Ok Rae Yoon, has not always been in the spotlight, but his journey to the pinnacle of the mixed martial arts world is truly captivating. The 33-year-old South Korean is preparing to face undefeated Turkish phenom Alibeg Rasulov at ONE Fight Night 23, a highly anticipated bout that could potentially determine the division’s next World Title challenger. Before Ok enters the ring, let us delve into his extraordinary journey through doubt and difficulty to reach the peak of MMA.
Hailing from Busan, South Korea, Ok’s passion for physical activity was evident from a young age. Whether it was playing soccer, practicing taekwondo, engaging in track and field, or simply running around with friends, his high-energy and active nature shone through. In an interview with onefc.com, Ok shared, “I loved sports. I never felt any interest or passion for anything other than things that made my heart beat fast through exercise.” Despite his love for sports, he diligently pursued his studies and earned a spot at a high-performing high school and university, where he began studying sports seriously.
Ok’s fascination with MMA was sparked during his mandatory military service, where he and his fellow servicemen would frequently watch MMA fights online and on TV during their free time. It was during this period that he fell in love with the all-encompassing nature of mixed martial arts. Despite initially thinking that his opportunity to become a professional fighter had passed, Ok’s natural talent for combat sports became apparent, leading him to pursue competitive fighting. Reflecting on this crucial turning point, Ok shared, “At that age, becoming a professional athlete seemed way too late. I really believed becoming a professional athlete was not an option for me. So I committed to my MMA training as a hobby while studying in school. I would train at night after classes.”
This journey was not without its challenges. After an initial defeat in his first amateur fight, rather than being deterred, Ok used it as motivation to improve and refine his skills. His relentless dedication led him to establish himself as one of South Korea’s most promising rising stars with four consecutive wins after the defeat. However, he faced financial struggles and an injury that almost forced him to retire, leading to what he describes as “some dark times.” Despite these obstacles, Ok continued to persevere, and his hard work paid off when he emerged as one of the best lightweights in MMA.
In September 2021, Ok achieved a career-defining moment when he secured the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title after defeating Singaporean-American superstar Christian Lee. Although his journey has been marked by challenges, Ok’s resilience and determination have propelled him to new heights in his career. Looking ahead, Ok is determined to prove his critics wrong and continue his winning streak. “I’ve been an underdog for most of my career at ONE Championship. I’ve faced top competition, and every time, I’ve proved people wrong,” Ok shared. “I will be fighting an elite competitor once again, and as always, I want to surprise people and exceed expectations. People can make predictions, but I will continue to win.”
As Ok prepares for his upcoming fight, fans can look forward to witnessing the unwavering spirit of a fighter who has battled through adversity to claim his place at the top of the MMA world. Let us unite in support of Ok as he steps into the ring once again and continues to inspire with his remarkable journey.