UFC 100 to Air in Korea; Akiyama and Kim Leading the Way

Promoted to Front Page From Fanposts Section By Kelvin Hunt

UFC 100 is quite possibly the most important event in the history of Korean mixed martial arts. While broadcast in over 100 countries, Korea stands alone in having unlimited potential as a new market to be explored by the company.

While South Korea's Super Action TV has aired UFC events in the past to little success, the most watched non-Korean MMA product was Japan's Pride FC. With the purchase of Pride, Zuffa replaced the product with their own original UFC shows. The minimalist entrances, and lack of Pro-wrestling like production somewhat hurt the company. There has been one man however that stands alone as a virtual juggernaut of a ratings draw for the UFC, 'Stun Gun' Dong Hyun Kim (11-0-1) .


Originally posted at MMA Spot

A product of Korea's own Spirit MC, Kim's first fight in the UFC was a dominant performance in which he absolutely dismantled Jason Tan; there was one problem however, it did not make the telecast, in the United states that is. In South Korea UFC 84 drew monstrous ratings as it was run three times back-to-back, beginning to end, with ratings peaking during Stun Gun's masterful performance each airing. The trends continued with each and every event the UFC has aired on Super Action TV featuring the Korean judoka, and with a bout against TJ Grant featured at UFC 100, it looks to be no different.

In what seems to be an attempt to further cater to the Korean fans, Yoshihiro Akiyama (12-1) will also be making his UFC debut against Alan 'the Talent' Belcher on the main card. The 'zainichi' (Korean born in Japan) enjoys a megastar status in his native Korea. Often referred to as "The Michael Jackson of Korea", Akiyama is still referred to by his Korean birth name, Choo Sung Hoon by his countrymen. Akiyama has proven through his runs in K1 and Dream that he is possibly the biggest draw in the History of Korean Mixed Martial Arts.

With two Korean superstars on the card, UFC 100 has already begun advertising in Korea specifically marketing Kim and Akiyama in their spots. With the UFC looking to potentially expand into Korea, another figure absent from this card may very well be Dennis Kang; also a proven draw in Korea, Kang has also been used in expansion into Canada as well.

It is suspected that to garner the most attention possible in Korea, the UFC will likely continue to have it's Korean fighters, presented in pairs on cards, there is even talks amongst the masses that a rematch between Kang and Akiyama might eventually take place in the Octagon . Only time will tell if a transition into the Korean market ever does take place, or whether these fighters will continue on their successful paths or not. One thing is certain however, for the time being, they have a window into a new market. A window that might just get bigger as several Korean fighters are now coming into prominence elsewhere, the UFC finds themselves in the luxurious position of being home to three of Korea's biggest stars. UFC 100 could be the start of a new era for Korean MMA and the UFC alike, but for now only time will tell.

written by Jesse Denis