Kim grapples his way to UFC 125 decision win over Diaz
Dong Hyun Kim won a 29-28 decision over Nate Diaz at UFC 125 on Saturday, but didn't win any fans with his grappling-heavy style.
In the first round, Diaz gestured several times to get Kim to come forward, so he did. He took Diaz down, but had trouble in trying to pass the guard. However, he still was able to control the battle on the ground, preventing Diaz from any submissions while landing punches and elbows. Diaz threatened with a heel hook late in the round, but Kim was able to spin out of it.
Kim's takedown ability was the story in the second round. Diaz had no ability to stop the takedown, and then on the ground, could not utilized his vaunted jiu-jitsu to try for any submissions. Kim landed strikes, beating up Diaz's face. Diaz had a shot near the end of the round as he took Kim's back, but Kim slipped out and back to his feet.
Controversy ruled the third round. Kim was on his feet, but bent over with his hand on the ground, making him a downed opponent. Diaz landed a knee, which is illegal. Referee Yves Levigne stopped the bout and gave Kim time to recover. Replays showed that Kim's hand was barely grazing the ground when the knee was delivered.
When action started again, Diaz was aggressive on his feet, clearly knowing that he was down on the score cards. Diaz landed several shots, including kicks, punches and a kick to the face, late in the fight.
Despite the booing crowd, the Korean asked for a title shot. "I am Stun Gun. I want GSP!" he said after the bout.
"I really wanted to stand with him, but the way he is acting in the Octagon, I just wanted to shut him down," Kim said through a translator after his bout.
This is Kim's 14th win, with five wins in the UFC. (His loss to Karo Parisyan was changed to a no contest because of Parisyan's positive drug test.) Diaz is now 13-6.
