UFC's Dong Hyun Kim: Excitement equals opportunity
Dong Hyun Kim has long been regarded as one of the UFC's toughest welterweights. However, seven of his first eight wins in the promotion were by decision.
There's nothing shameful about winning that much and often at the highest level of MMA, however Kim now admits that he was playing it a bit cautious earlier in his career. “In the early days of my career in the UFC, I was the only Korean fighter. My primary goal was to survive," he told Thomas Gerbasi in a recent interview.
"I had to survive as the only Korean fighter and I felt like I was responsible for the booming of the UFC in Korea. But now, there are many Korean fighters in the UFC and they are performing well. I will fight like Dong Hyun Kim now. I am not young anymore. I am at the most important time of my career. I could choose to be either one of those seasoned fighters who win some and lose some or gamble and fight aggressively to gain the title shot. I'd rather venture to be aggressive. There is no opportunity for boring fighters.”
"Stun Gun" Kim is currently riding a four-fight win streak heading into his UFC Fight Night bout against Tyron Woodley this Saturday in Macau. His last two fights were nasty KO wins.
Woodley himself is doubtless hungry to get back on track after having his momentum stalled by a June decision loss to Rory MacDonald. Kim knows that the usually explosive Woodley will be coming after him, Saturday night.
That's all right with the Korean warrior, however, because the new and improved Dong Hyun Kim will be striking right back. “He has finished many fighters,” Kim said of his opponent.
“He may finish me as well, but I may finish him, too.”
Who are you picking to win Saturday night, Kim or Woodley? Let us know in the comments section!
Follow Elias on Twitter @EliasCepeda & @YahooCagewriter
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