The highly talented Englishman and his South Korean counterpart, Dong Hyun Kim (18-2-1, 1 NC), were in attendance in Singapore for UFC Fight Night 34, but they weren’t there to catch the fights LIVE. Instead, they were flown over to promote their main event affair for the UFC’s return to Macau, China slated for March later this year.
John Hathaway on facing Dong Hyun Kim: “He will bring out the best in me”
Hathaway (17-1), 26, is one of England’s finest, and a bright prospect at that. The Brighton native has quietly amassed a 7-1 record in the octagon, notching notable victories over Diego Sanchez, Rick Story and John Maguire among others.
“I had a real, inactive 2013 but I can’t wait to get back in there. I’m really going to try to make this year my year,” Hathaway told MMASucka.com. “Competing against someone like Kim is just going to be great because he will bring the best out in me. He’s a great competitor and a great athlete.”
Kim will no doubt be Hathaway’s toughest opposition to date, with the lanky South Korean boasting a three-fight win streak and a reputation for finishing fights. Kim sits on the twelfth spot in the UFC’s Welterweight rankings as well, he’s a 12-time UFC vet, and has long been considered one of top fighters to have ever come out of the Asian region.
“I know how good he is and how much he has improved – his striking has been coming on a lot but I feel I hold the edge in striking,” he said. “I’ll be able to stop the takedowns and I generally think I’ll be able to put a lot of damage on him in this fight.”
Hathaway, though, will be fighting on the heels of an eighteen month layoff. Kim has made three appearances in the octagon since he last fought. But the Englishman believes he has brushed his skills during that long hiatus, and fans can expect to see a thrilling encounter when the two touch gloves and get it on.
“Basically, I’ve been working on everything over the last year,” said the 26-year-old enthusiastically. “For someone like Kim, who’s a tall southpaw and a good judo player – I’ve just been working very hard on like counteracting his judo and being able to get my strikes and my knees off.”
“I think fans can expect a great event and a great fight between me and Kim.”
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Hathaway vs. Kim serves as the headliner for The Ultimate Fighter: China finale, which takes place March 1st at the Cotai Arena in Macau, China.
The event, which will include the finals of the TUF: China reality MMA series, currently includes:
- Dong Hyun Kim vs. John Hathaway
- Matt Mitrione vs. Shawn Jordan
- Hatsu Hioki vs. Ivan Menjivar
- Nam Yui Chul vs. Kazuki Tokudome
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