UFC 125: Will Dong Hyun Kim's Style Keep Him from Being In The Title Mix?

If Dong Hyun Kim keeps winning, then his grappling oriented fighting style will not keep him from being in the title mix. 

What his style will do is keep him from being fast-tracked to a title shot in the near future. 

Yushin Okami, Kim’s east Asian brethren and occasional training partner, is an example of how winning decisions in the UFC with robust grappling knowledge will keep you at the fringe of the championship title picture.

It was only after accruing an impressive 10-2 record in the UFC that Okami is finally getting his shot at the Middleweight belt.

Dong Hyun Kim is an exciting welterweight prospect among hardcore MMA fans, but it could take some time before the UFC feels he is accomplished enough in the octagon to challenge for the belt.

Champion Georges St. Pierre is already booked to make his next defense against a control-oriented grappling savant in Jake Shields. The UFC brass is also reluctant to throw grappling ace Jon Fitch back into the title picture. 

One can imagine the UFC would like to book a dangerous all-around threat to challenge for the throne.

Rumor has it that Kim said he “wants to stand with Diaz,” in their upcoming UFC 125 bout. If that’s true, it could be a good scrap that helps get him in the UFC’s good graces, but is still a risky proposition considering his opponent’s boxing acumen and ability.

With a fantastic performance this Saturday against Diaz, Kim would could certainly be introduced to a lot of new fans; a loss to the talented high-profile Diaz would not be the worst setback imaginable.    

Yet win or lose, Dong Hyun Kim’s style suggests he will be on the fringe of the title picture for some time.