At HanPunch, our fighter profiles go beyond wins and losses.
While official records remain available through databases such as Tapology and Sherdog, our goal is to provide readers with a consistent way to evaluate a fighter’s overall abilities, career trajectory, and long-term potential.
The HanPunch Rating System is an editorial scoring model that combines technical skill, athletic ability, career accomplishments, and future potential into a single overall score and grade.
How We Evaluate Fighters – Fighter Rating System
Each fighter receives a score in seven categories.
Striking (20%)
A fighter’s effectiveness on the feet, including:
- Technical striking ability
- Knockout power
- Accuracy
- Defense
- Ability to control distance
Grappling (20%)
A fighter’s effectiveness in wrestling and ground fighting, including:
- Takedowns
- Submission offense
- Submission defense
- Positional control
- Scrambling ability
Athleticism (15%)
Physical traits that impact performance, including:
- Speed
- Explosiveness
- Strength
- Agility
- Conditioning
Durability (10%)
A fighter’s ability to withstand adversity, including:
- Chin
- Recovery ability
- Injury history
- Consistency over long fights
Fight IQ (15%)
A fighter’s ability to execute strategy and make adjustments, including:
- Decision making
- Adaptability
- Awareness
- Tactical execution
Championship Potential (10%)
A projection of the fighter’s ceiling based on:
- Skill development
- Competition level
- Age
- Career trajectory
- Ability to compete at higher levels
Marketability (10%)
A fighter’s ability to attract fan interest and grow the sport through:
- Personality
- Fan following
- Media presence
- Promotional value
- Star potential
How the Overall Score Is Calculated
Each category is weighted and combined into a final score out of 100.
Category Weights
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Striking | 20% |
| Grappling | 20% |
| Athleticism | 15% |
| Durability | 10% |
| Fight IQ | 15% |
| Championship Potential | 10% |
| Marketability | 10% |
The weighted average becomes the fighter’s HanPunch Overall Score.
HanPunch Grade Scale
After the overall score is calculated, the fighter receives a letter grade.
| Grade | Score Range |
| S | 95–100 |
| A+ | 90–94 |
| A | 85–89 |
| A- | 80–84 |
| B+ | 75–79 |
| B | 70–74 |
| B- | 65–69 |
| C+ | 60–64 |
| C | Below 60 |
What Each Grade Means
S Grade
Generational fighters whose impact extends beyond wins and losses.
Examples may include:
- UFC title challengers
- Hall of Fame-caliber fighters
- Fighters who changed Korean MMA history
A+ Grade
Elite international contenders capable of competing with the best fighters in the world.
A Grade
Established UFC fighters, major champions, and top international contenders.
A- Grade
High-level regional champions and UFC-caliber prospects.
B+ Grade
Established contenders and rising prospects with significant upside.
B Grade
Solid professional fighters competing successfully at the regional level.
B- Grade
Developing professional fighters still building their résumés.
C+ and Below
Early-career professionals who are still developing their skills and experience.
Historical Impact Consideration
For retired fighters and Korean MMA pioneers, HanPunch may consider historical impact when assigning a final grade.
This adjustment recognizes fighters whose influence on the sport extends beyond competitive achievements.
Factors may include:
- Historical significance
- Contributions to Korean MMA
- Influence on future generations
- Cultural impact
- Legacy within the sport
Examples include fighters such as Chan Sung Jung, Dong Hyun Kim, and other pioneers who helped elevate Korean MMA on the global stage.
Career Stage Classifications
In addition to a rating, every HanPunch profile includes a Career Stage designation.
Prospect
A developing fighter early in their professional career.
Rising Prospect
A fighter demonstrating significant potential and beginning to gain recognition.
Contender
An established fighter competing near the top of a regional division.
International Contender
A fighter competing successfully against high-level international opposition.
Champion
A current or former major champion.
Korean MMA Pioneer
A fighter whose impact on Korean MMA extends beyond competition results.
Legend
A fighter whose accomplishments and influence place them among the most important figures in Korean MMA history.
A Tool for Comparison, Not a Prediction
The HanPunch Rating System is intended to provide readers with a consistent framework for understanding fighters and comparing careers.
Ratings are editorial assessments based on publicly available information, competition history, technical analysis, and long-term trajectory.
As fighters evolve, improve, and compete against new opponents, their ratings may change.
The goal is not to predict the future with certainty, but to provide a thoughtful and transparent evaluation of where each fighter stands today.
Questions or feedback about the HanPunch Rating System? Contact the HanPunch editorial team.
