How do these two stack up?
Condit: 27 years old | 6'2" | 76" reach
Kim: 29 years old | 6'1" | 76" reach
What have these two done recently?
Condit: W - Dan Hardy (KO) | W - Rory MacDonald (TKO) | W -http://forums.wrestlingsmarks.../mma/fighter/122613/spencer-fisher Jake Ellenberger (SD)
Kim: W -http://forums.wrestlingsmarks.../mma/fighter/122645/cole-miller Nate Diaz (UD) | W -http://forums.wrestlingsmarks.../mma/fighter/127369/mac-danzig Amir Sadollah (UD) | W - T.J. Grant (UD)
How did these two get here?
Carlos Condit entered the WEC in early 2007 and one win earned him a shot at the vacant WEC welterweight title against John Alessio. He finished Alessio by choke right at the final bell of the second round, and managed to defend his belt all the way until his division was merged into the UFC. The last of those defenses against Hiromitsu Miura was one of the best fights of 2008. His move to the UFC started badly when he lost a razor-thin split decision to Martin Kampmann, but three straight wins have turned him back into a contender. His last outing against Dan Hardy was arguably the best performance of his career, as he knocked Hardy out cold late in the first round. This fight is extremely important for Condit's upward mobility in the division.
UFC 132: Interviews | Results | Fight Card
Dong Hyun Kim entered the UFC in mid-2008 and rattled off two wins before meeting Karo Parisyan at UFC 94. Despite entering the fight as a huge underdog, Kim did enough to make the fight very close, but he dropped a very controversial split-decision. The fight result was changed to a no-contest after Karo tested positive for painkillers. Since then Kim has looked dominant with three straight decision victories, and will looking to stay undefeated by defeating Condit.
Why should you care?
It's a great style clash as the flashy Condit faces the grinding judoka in Kim. Kim has made a living in the UFC off of grounding opponents and keeping them there. Condit has a a very active guard and will be a stuff challenge for Kim on the ground, and if he can keep it standing, it should be fireworks.
