In what promises to be a highly competitive match-up, Carlos Condit faces Dong Hyun Kim in a battle which could have serious title implications in the perennially shifting cauldron that is the UFC welterweight division. Both will be brimming with confidence following impressive displays, and will not only look to notch up another victory, but will be intent on making a statement in a weight class all but extinguished of worthy contenders by the imperious Welterweight Champion George Saint Pierre.
Condit (making his return to the octagon following a knee injury that forced him out of his fight with Chris Lytle at UFC 127) is the last World Extreme Cagefighting Welterweight Champion following its purchase by the UFC, and has proven to be an extremely tough and well rounded fighter who can compete with anyone in his division. Well known for some time to the hardcore fans for his gameness and tenacity, the Albuquerque New Mexico native has chalked up an impressive twelve knockouts and thirteen submission wins with only two of his contests going to the judge’s decision.
As the UFC continues to reach out into new territories in its quest for global domination of the Mixed Martial Arts market, foreign fighters like Kim (who already has a huge fan base in his native Korea following impressive displays in Japans DEEP organization) become an ever more important tool in bridging the gap of cultural difference and suspicion. Kim has slowly risen under the radar of many, to go from inconsequential newcomer, to emerging force, with a methodical and controlled style similar to that of his sometime sparring partner and number one middleweight contender Yushin Okami.
After a close split decision defeat to tough Dane Martin Kampmann in his first UFC outing, Condit has gone on to emerge with the win in his last three fights, rebounding with another extremely close battle this time going his way against Jake Ellenberger. Then followed a thrilling come-from-behind performance, as he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, finishing rising star Rory MacDonald via technical knockout, and most recently he silenced the home crowd by earning a highlight reel knockout over British brawler and former number one welterweight contender Dan Hardy back at UFC 120 in London, England.
If one were to probe a weakness in Condit’s game it would be his susceptibility to the takedown and the grinding tactics used effectively against him in previous bouts. After recently switching to the famed Greg Jackson camp he will be hoping to make improvements at neutralizing this ever increasing strategy particularly shown by many an elite UFC welterweight.
Though it is fair to say that the ‘The Stun Gun’, Kim hasn’t been, well, electric in his UFC career thus far, he remains undefeated (his one loss overturned following his opponent Karo Parisyan testing positive for banned pain killers) and has continued to show a marked improvement particularly in his striking to compliment his already excellent Judo base. After edging a split decision win over Matt Brown he soundly defeated The Ultimate Fighter season 7 winner Amir Saddolah, before vanquishing another TUFF alumni, this time season 5 victor Nate Diaz at UFC 125 with a combination of controlled striking and skilfully timed takedowns, nullifying the considerable submission threat of his tricky opponent.
If Condit is to hand Kim his first legitimate loss he must set a fast pace early on, using his range and movement to keep his opponent at bay before countering with his vicious elbows and knees as the fourth degree black-belt Judoka inevitably attempts to clinch and take him down.
Kim is a physically imposing welterweight who has great balance and verve, particularly when in grappling range. He must look to catch his opponent off guard with his awkward striking before arresting ‘The Natural Born Killer’ to the floor, and begin to slowly take control, stifling and striking his way towards another victory.
This should be a very close fight but stylistically is a tougher match-up for Condit who may have to dig deep once again and be the first man to defuse ‘The Stun Gun’.
