DH Kim (photo) wins on TUF China and gets closer to the belt. Photo: Josh Hedges
Dong Hyun Kim took an important step towards the UFC welterweight belt. The South Korean fought a good fight against John Hathaway and beat the Englishman with a beautiful knockout in the third round. Kim landed a beautiful spinning elbow and took his rival to the ground in the main fight of the TUF China Finale, an event held this Saturday morning (Brasília time), in Macau, China. Another highlight of the night, Zhang Lipeng defeated Wang Sa and won the first edition of The Ultimate Fighter China, the UFC's reality show.
Kim vs. Hathaway
The fight between Dong Hyun Kim and John Hathaway was mind-blowing from start to finish. The South Korean started with everything and, unlike his main characteristic, he opened the game with his striking. The Englishman accepted the frank exchange of blows and the athletes brought the Chinese public to their feet. More effective, Kim was close to knockout on two occasions in the first round, Hathaway managed to survive.
In the second round, the fight became more balanced, but the Korean took advantage of the Englishman's lack of rhythm and maintained the pressure. In the final minute of the partial, Dong Hyun Kim managed a takedown and worked with strikes in the ground fight, opening the lead on the scoreboard. At the sound of the bell, he also applied a double hammer blow that raised the crowd.
With an advantage in the fight, Dong Hyun Kim returned for the third round ready to end the fight. He landed good blows on the Englishman and opened his arms, asking Hathaway to respond. John was brave and at several moments he walked forward, landing combinations on Dong Hiun's belt line. However, the end of the fight was near. When John Hathaway punched Dong Hyun Kim in the face, the South Korean dodged and responded with a beautiful elbow and knee. The blow hit the Englishman on the chin and he was knocked out.
“I can't tell you how happy I am for this victory and for the energy of the fans present here in Macau. I guarantee that I won't stop and I will always move forward. I don't care who my next opponent will be. I want the title and I'm going to attack whoever it is”, said Kim, to the delight of the fans.
TUF final
In the second most important fight of the night, Zhang Lipeng made history. He was the first winner of TUF China, the UFC reality show that debuted in the Asian country. In the final, he fought an even duel with Wang Sai and won a split decision from the judges.
“I just wanted to thank all the fans who supported me, my coaches and Cung le,” said Lipeng, who couldn’t hide his excitement.
Main Card
Dong Hyun Kim defeated John Hathaway by knockout in R3;
Zhang Lipeng defeated Wang Sai via split decision – TUF China Final
Matt Mitrione defeated Shawn Jordan via knockout in R1;
Hatsu Hioki defeated Ivan Menjivar via unanimous decision;
Preliminary Card
Yui Chul Nam defeated. Kazuki Tokudome in the judges' split decision;
Vaughan Lee defeated Nam Phan via split decision;
Anying Wang defeated Albert Cheng via TKO in R1;
Mark Eddiva defeated Jumabieke Tuerxun via split decision;
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