Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: Is Dong Hyun Kim a legitimate future contender in the UFC's welterweight division?
Mar 5, 2014 - 4:05:46 PM ROUNDTABLE: Is Dong Hyun Kim a legitimate future contender in the UFC's welterweight division?

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With two straight stoppage wins, Dong Hyun Kim has broken away from his reputation as a grinder, but his new wild style could also be his downfall in the future. Given that, is this new version of Dong Hyun Kim a legitimate contender in the welterweight division? Why or why not?


DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK COLUMNIST

He's certainly closer than he was twelve-months ago, but he's still not what I would consider elite. John Hathaway is a good test for anyone in the welterweight division, but he didn't have the skills to capitalise on Kim's newly acquired reckless abandon in the stand-up last Saturday.

A higher calibre opponent like Carlos Condit or Johny Hendricks would have probably taken advantage. Don't get me wrong, I'm really enjoying the new style, but it's only going to get him so far up the ladder. A fight with Rory MacDonald or either winner of Saffiedine vs. Ellenberger or Shields vs. Lombard sounds good to me.

If he gets through an opponent like those I've just mentioned he's a legitimate contender. He always had the talent and type of style to win fights but sometimes it takes certain fighter's a while to figure things out, where as for others it just comes naturally.

My only concern about him when he comes up against someone elite is that he reverts back to his old grinding style. It's not easy to look good and land spinning back-fists when a better opponent has the speed and guile to get out of the way and take him down in the blink of an eye.


KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I believe he is the dark horse in the division. This is because although he is gaining a rep as a striker now, he still has his dominating judo and smothering style in his arsenal when things go wrong. I like him to fight somebody in the top 10, maybe even top five for his next fight.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

If he fights smart, then I think he's a legit contender. When people criticize guys for not going for finishes or playing it safe, we're not advocating taking big chances or risks. It's about pushing forward and trying to win instead of trying to simply not lose. If Kim does that, if he tries to win, he's an absolute contender. He's just got to combine all of his skills and formulate good game plans. I think he can do it, but as he rises in competition he'll have to be smart about where he takes chances.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Welterweight is a division full of wrestlers who will grind you out; on the other hand, it also has some very heavy handed strikers. If Kim feels his new buckwild style can fit in against both of those pedigrees than work it until it breaks. Guys like Robbie Lawler and Johnny Hendricks would probably give him a ton of trouble, as would Jake Shields or Hector Lombard, but if he plans accordingly and counter wrestles he could make a run at this point.


CASH NORMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

If you're an exciting finisher within the UFC you always have a chance to be a contender. Do I think that Dong Hyun Kim will be fighting for the belt anytime in the near future? No. While his new fighting style is fan friendly for those who like sloppy brawling, he leaves himself open for countershots and a skilled technical fighter will pick him apart. However, if Kim can make a transition from brawling to a more polished striker he could be dangerous. The hands down and chin out style he has employed lately is a recipe for disaster.