“No Problem” Kim Sang-won (30, Korean Top Team) moved one step closer to a UFC contract with one powerful punch.
On Nov. 27, Kim defeated Japan’s Keisuke Sasu (28) by TKO at 3:18 of the second round in the quarterfinals of the ROAD TO UFC Season 2 Opening Round featherweight tournament at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai in China.메이저놀이터
With the win, Kim advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament and boosted his chances of making it to the UFC. The eventual winner of the tournament will be signed to a contract to compete in the UFC.
In the first round, Kim opened up with punches while side-stepping. He struggled a bit with an unorthodox takedown from Keisuke Sasu, but didn’t have too much trouble. The drama was written in the second round. Looking for a flurry of punches, Sang-won Kim timed his movements just right to catch Keisuke Sasu on the chin with a right straight.
Keisuke Sasu stumbled backwards in shock. Kim Sang-won continued to pound away, earning the referee’s stoppage. After the victory was secured, he climbed on top of the cage and roared with joy.
“My practiced tactics paid off,” said Kim, “When I tackled my opponent in the first round, I realized he was breathing heavily. I was able to get through it without too much trouble,” said Kim. “I honestly didn’t expect a KO win, but I was ready for it,” he added.
Kim Sang-won is a fighter with more experience overseas than in Korea. He has fought in Japan, Australia, Russia, and Guam. The ROAD TO UFC tournament is his chance to make it to the UFC’s home country of the United States. With this win, he improves his career record to 10 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw.