Dae Hwan Kim Steps Up On Short Notice To Face Yusup Saadulaev
A last-minute change to the card at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD will see “Ottogi” Dae Hwan Kim step in on short notice for a match-up that could change the course of his career.
With less than 72 hours until the event begins in Bangkok, Thailand, the South Korean athlete has accepted a bout with Yusup “Maestro” Saadulaev in the bantamweight division.
The contest will take place this Friday, 16 August on the prelims at the Impact Arena.
Kim, a KAMMA Bantamweight Champion, will have his work cut out for him against the Russian competitor, who is one of the most highly-regarded members of the division.
Saadulaev has won five of his last six bouts – including three wins by submission – and called for a shot at the ONE Bantamweight World Title this year.
However, if the 32-year-old South Korean can spring a surprise, he could jump straight into contention, himself.
Kim has already challenged for the belt, which is currently owned by Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, and has won three of his last four contests in his bid to break into the World Title picture again.
He is coming off a win against Ayideng “The Kazakh Eagle” Jumayi in May, which he achieved via knockout in the first round due to punches.
That was his 10th victory out of 15 via stoppage. Saadulaev has 13 from his 17 career wins, so a dramatic end to their contest at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD could be in the cards.
