UFC 100 Preview: The Prelims

Dong Hyun Kim (11-0-1, 1 NC) vs. T.J. Grant (14-2)

The Breakdown: Korean hero Kim squares off with Canadian up-and-comer Grant in one of the most evenly matched bouts of the undercard. While Grant is known for delivering strikes and submissions in equal measure, his half-hearted takedown defense means Kim will be working his textbook judo to stay in top position. From there, it comes down to Grant’s Red Bull-infused guard work against Kim’s sickle-sharp strikes and equally well-honed submissions. The real difference, however, is Kim’s underrated guard passing, which Grant will have to keep in check before cutting loose with his guard.

The X Factor: After his three-round scrap with Ryo Chonan at UFC 97, Grant proved he can go three hard rounds, but Kim seemed to wilt in his own three-rounder with Karo Parisyan at UFC 94. If neither man can find dominance on the mat, a matchup of conditioning favors Grant, who will keep Kim on his toes every second he’s on the mat. Unless Kim has his cardio on point for this fight, it will only be a matter of time before his gas tank has him making mistakes that Grant will be chomping at the bit to capitalize on.

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The Bottom Line: Another promising bout on this undercard will deliver for the live crowd. A blistering start will see Grant firing off Gatling gun submissions, while Kim answers by going into slasher mode with elbow flurries. Sooner or later, the damage will take some of the edge off Grant’s game, and that’s when Kim’s guard passing will turn around this fight. Expect him to finish the rugged Canadian with an arm triangle late in the second round.