UFC 100 Preview: TJ Grant vs. Dong Hyun Kim

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

Unlike some fights on the UFC 100 preliminary card, neither T.J. Grant or Dong Hyun Kim is fighting for a job. In fact, they're not even close to unemployment, as technically, neither has been beaten inside the Octagon.

I say technically because, well, Kim was sort of beaten by Karo Parisyan last time out, dropping a split decision that seriously could have (maybe should have) gone the other way. Karma stepped up in Kim's favor though, as Parisyan later tested positve for painkillers, resulting in the fight being declared No Contest.

Grant, on the other hand, is also coming off a split decision, one he won in his UFC debut over veteran Ryo Chonan at UFC 97 in Montreal. The fighting pride of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia takes this fight as a replacement for fellow Canadian Jonathan Goulet and it's a much better matchup than the TUF 9 Finale fight against Martin Kampmann that "The Hitman" turned down.

Conventional Wisdom

Kim is a judoka and a very talented one at that. He was able to control another gifted grappler and strong welterweight last time around and he's shown in his three UFC fights that stamina is not a problem. "The Stun Gun" is a prototypical grinder in the cage, using his throws and strength to wear down his opponents, as well as nullify any offense they might have. Expect fans to boo him.

Grant is still somewhat raw, but the win over Chonan earned him some attention. "Piranha" has fought some quality opponents over the years and earning your first UFC win over such a competitor is quite a feat. Before hitting the big time, the man known as "No Gimmick" (isn't that a gimmick?) was a submission machine north of the border, earning 12 of his 13 wins by tapout.

With a two inch height advantage and a longer reach, Kim should have the ability to impose his will on the shorter, stocky Grant.

WKR Analysis

The conventional wisdom is pretty solid here, but it doesn't take into account the heart of TJ Grant. I know it sounds hokey, but if you've ever been out to Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, there ain't much there and knowing you can make life better for your family and friends out there is strong motivation.

I'd also put Grants win over Chonan as a better performance than either of Kim's wins and the Parisyan fight as well. While "The Heat" is certainly a solid welterweight, neither fighter looked particularly interested in doing more than laying into each other against the cage. Though that might be an example of their equally strong judo backgrounds, there is no way Grant will just grapple with Kim in this fight.

Fun Facts

You would think that coming from a small place like Cole Harbour would make T.J. Grant the most famous resident. Wrong. Grant is third behind Trailer Park Boys writer and star J.P. Tremblay (he plays Julian) and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

UFC 100 coverage