The UFC returns to Seoul, South Korea with UFC Fight Night 79. In the main event showcase, the former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson takes on former UFC lightweight contender and Strikeforce title challenger Jorge Masvidal (who has replaced Thiago Alves). While the main event is a great match-up between two lightweights turned welterweights, the entirety of this Fight Pass exclusive card features Japanese and Korean up-and-comers looking to strike it big in the UFC; most noteably Doo Ho Choi as he returns for his second UFC appearance. Let’s take a look at some of the action that will lead us into these main card attractions:
Dong Hyun Kim (+115) vs. Dominique Steele (-135)
Starting off the action is a welterweight scrap between newcomer “Maestro” Dong Hyun Kim (not to be confused with “Stun Gun” Dong Hyun Kim, also a welterweight fighter who will be fighting on the card) and “Non-Stop Action-Packed” Dominique Steele. While neither men has tasted victory in the UFC, let alone has much mainstream exposure, they both tout identical records of 13-6, but vary in their methods of winning. “Maestro” has 46% of his wins by (T)KO as opposed to Steele’s 23%. Steele likes to get aggressive and make things a brawl, which should play well into Dong Hyun Kim’s opportunistic striking and grappling. This may not be a technically sight-worthy match, but I do expect Dong Hyun Kim to win his first UFC debut against Steele as he counters an over-aggressive Steele. Prediction: Dong Hyun Kim via 1st Rd TKO.
Ning Gyuanyou (-200) vs. Marco Beltran (+170)
Next up is a bantamweight match-up between undefeated fighters in Gyuanyou (2-0 UFC) and Betran (1-0 UFC). Gyuanyou scored an impressive win in his last bout when he stopped up-and-coming Singapore bantamweight, Royston Wee. Gyuanyou is a dangerous fighter who looks to inflict damage in very situation. He has strong takedowns, and some real power in his punches. His opponent, Beltran, is primarily a grappler, but doesn’t strike to much effect. Both Gyuanyou and Beltran are good on the mat, but I’d favor Gyuanyou heavily if the fight stays on the feet. The Chinamen has more tools to win, so he’s the smart pick here, but expect Beltran to stick around until the final bell. Prediction: Ning Gyuanyou via Unanimous Decision.
Zao Zhikui (+160) vs. Fredy Serrano (-185)
Flyweights take the stage next as Zhikui looks to couple his split decision over Nolan Ticman with a win over Fredy Serrano, who sits at 1-0 in the UFC after knocking out Bentley Syler in March. Both of these fighters have a combined six professional MMA fights between them; they are still developing their skills. Serrano, a member of TUF: Latin America, showed some real power in his knockout victory over Syler. His wrestling needs some work, as does his technique, but Serrano shines when he’s uncorking power punches in the middle of the Octagon. Zhikui on the other hand doesn’t quite offer the same threat on the feet, but is a scrappy grappler. In conclusion, Serrano is the threatening force in this contest and unless Zhikui improves his straight-forward movement that he showed in his last fight, expect Serrano to end things with a bang. Prediction: Fredy Serrano via 1st Rd KO.
Seo Hee Ham (+135) vs. Cortney Casey (-160)
The women are up next for UFC Fight Night 79 as the popular South Korean staplemate Seo Hee Ham looks to get her first UFC win against Cortney Casey, who is also looking for her first win inside the UFC. But the similarities don’t stop there; both Ham and Casey debuted and lost to Joanne Calderwood via decision. Furthermore, both Ham and Casey are natural-born strikers with Ham having far more professional experience. Casey likes to start hard and fast, and has good blitzes, but once Casey is taken into deep waters, or is met with technical striking, she tends to get sloppy, desperate, and hittable. Same thing for Ham, but the Korean has a bit more disciplined offense. Expect Casey to get off early, but if Ham can get out of the first round then she should have no problem picking Casey apart for the latter half of the contest. In the grappling department, both Ham and Casey have fairly rudimetary takedowns and transitions, so expect a stalemate. Make no mistake, these women like to stand and bang. Prediction: Seo Hee Ham via Split Decision.
Leo Kuntz (+155) vs. Tae Hyun Bang (-180)
At 155 lbs, Leo Kuntz and Tae Hyun Bang both look to rebound off of losses. Kuntz, 0-1 in the UFC, dropped his debut to Islam Makhachev back in May while Bang, 1-2 in the UFC, was choked out by Jon Tuck. Kuntz is fairly well-rounded as he throws good shots at range while sporting solid fundamentals on the ground. Bang on the other hand is a bit more specialized as he prefers to do as his name suggests – stand and bang. Kuntz has the edge in the grappling, but taking the much stronger man in Tae Hyun Bang down could prove troublesome. Bang has good pop to his punches and throws in large volume, so look for him to initiate lots of exchanges on the feet; whether Kuntz can take him down or not will tell the tale of this fight. I’m going with no, or at least not as much as he would want to. Prediction: Tae Hyun Bang via Split Decision.
Mike de la Torre (Even) vs. Yui Chul Nam (-120)
Featherweights take the stage next as “The Korean Bulldozer” Yui Chul Nam squares off with “El Cucuy” Mike de la Torre. Once again, both fighters are looking rebound off of losses. Nam was last seen in action dropping a split decision to Phillipe Nover in May while de la Torre was steamrolled by Maximo Blanco in July. Mike de la Torre is a very aggressive fighter who likes to trade blow-for-blow on the feet, but also has a few submissions to his credit. Nam on the other hand is a powerful, smothering fighter who can land good takedowns when he’s not flurrying on the feet. Mike de la Torre has struggled greatly with his takedown defense in the past, so there’s no reason why Chul Nam won’t be able to floor the over-aggressive de la Torre on a regular basis. Prediction: Yui Chul Nam via Unanimous Decision.
Dongi Yang (+120) vs. Jake Collier (-140)
Dongi “The Ox” Yang makes his second stint in the UFC after going 1-3 from 2010-2012; however, a TKO victory over Dennis Hallman outside of the promotion has brought him back. Standing in his way is Jake Collier who is 1-1 in the UFC and coming off a split decision win over Ricardo Abreu in June. Dongi Yang has 92% of his wins by (T)KO, so it’s safe to say that he’s the most comfortable on the feet. However, a significant reach disadvantage for him might prove problematic as Collier will have 5 inches on him. Collier moves well behind a jab which will be key for him. Despite having a high finish rate, Yang is very patient and passive on his feet. He works well at range, which is ironic given his smaller reach, but nevertheless he kicks well and is good at landing in swarms. I think Yang’s passiveness will work against him here as Collier outpoints him with a busier striking game. Prediction: Jake Collier via Split Decision.
