MMASucka writers Shawn Smith and Justin Faux are venturing to every corner of the world to bring you the MMASucka International Spotlight. Every Monday and Thursday in November, a new article will debut highlighting the best fighters, prospects, and promotions from a country we feel deserves some spotlight. Enjoy.
When Dong Hyun Kim made his UFC debut at UFC 84, it ushered in a new era for South Korean mixed martial arts. Spirit MC, the country’s largest mixed martial arts promotion at the time, had been running shows since 2003 but had yet to produce an internationally recognized star.
It certainly wasn’t for lack of trying that the country hadn’t produced a star. PRIDE FC, Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization and home to many of the world’s greatest fighters at the time, had 10 South Koreans enter their ranks throughout the company’s 10 year span. Unfortunately, those 10 fighters had a combined PRIDE FC record of 5-13, with Choi Mu Bae holding four of those victories.
Kim’s success on the international scene, now 6-2 in the UFC, brought much attention to South Korea. More recently, Chan Sung Jung, more commonly referred to as ‘The Korean Zombie’, has put together a promising and exciting streak of victories in the UFC, pushing the company to look for other undiscovered talent in the country.
After the untimely demise of Spirit MC, another promotion named Road FC rose in its place. The promotion has now ran 9 shows and is producing quality prospects who are being used both across Asia and the world, bringing attention to the ever growing mixed martial arts scene. On top of producing quality prospects, ROAD FC is bringing well known talent such as Ikuhisa Minowa, Melvin Manhoef, Denis Kang, and Bob Sapp in to entertain fans in South Korea.
Let’s take a look at a couple prospects to keep your eye on:
Hyun Gyu Lim
Making his name in Pacific Xtreme Combat, Hyun Gyu Lim could easily be the next big name to come out of South Korea. Training with Korean Top Team, which houses Chan Sung Jung and Dongi Yang, the welterweight’s record speaks for itself. At 10-3, including five straight first round finishes, Kang has come a long way since beginning his career 1-1-1.
Primarily a striker, Lim has begun to show a well-rounded fight game. To date, the biggest test of Lim’s career was against Elite XC veteran Ross Ebanez, a fight Lim ended in under two minutes.
Lim was scheduled to make his UFC debut against David Mitchell in early November, but a medical issue halted the bout from happening. There’s no word on when Lim will make his Octagon debut.
Kyung Ho Kang
With the death of Spirit MC, Road FC has been forced to fill the vacancy. One of the stars who have made the promotion a success is Kyung Ho Kang.
Although only 25, the bantamweight prospect has 17 professional bouts to his name. Training with Dong Hyun Kim and Busan Team M.A.D, the future is bright for the young prospect.
A quick look at his 11-6 record would be misleading, as the Busan native has won five of his last six bouts, all by stoppage.
Yui Chul Nam
With a nickname like “The Korean Bulldozer”, there are high expectations on a fighter to be destructive, and it’s an expectation lightweight Yui Chuil Nam is happy to oblige. At 15-4, with eight knockouts, Nam has become an iconic figure on South Korea’s Road FC brand.
His exciting style and knockout power have made him a fan favourite, and it would be to the surprise of no one if Nam was given an opportunity in the UFC sooner rather than later.
