Havas MMA’s Sang Uk Kim showcased elite cardio, relentless pressure, and strong cage control to earn a unanimous decision victory over Kyrylo Horobets at AFC 41 in Vung Tau, Vietnam.
Sang Uk Kim delivered another important win for Korean MMA at AFC 41, defeating Kyrylo Horobets by unanimous decision on June 20, 2026, in Vung Tau, Vietnam.
The welterweight bout was one of the featured matchups on the AFC 41 main card, with both fighters entering the contest with identical 13-4 professional records. After three competitive rounds, Kim separated himself with pressure, cage control, improved striking, and a dominant final round to secure the judges’ decision.
The scorecards read 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27 in favor of Kim.
With the victory, Sang Uk Kim improved his professional MMA record to 14-4. Kim, who represents Dong Hyun Kim’s Havas MMA team, continues to build momentum as one of Korea’s experienced welterweight names.
Sang Uk Kim Controls the Pace at AFC 41
The opening round was competitive as Horobets showed sharp movement, balance, and strong takedown defense. Kim attempted to close distance and pressure against the cage, but Horobets repeatedly used his lead knee and foot positioning to create space and prevent Kim from fully connecting his hips for takedowns.
While Horobets defended well early, Kim stayed composed. He continued to read the Ukrainian fighter’s rhythm, mix in punches, and force clinch exchanges along the fence.
By the second round, Kim began to take clearer control. His one-two combinations landed cleanly, and his right hand became one of the most effective weapons of the fight. Horobets remained dangerous with power counters, but Kim’s pressure forced him backward and gradually drained his energy.
The broadcast commentary repeatedly noted Kim’s cardio and focus as the fight progressed. Even when Horobets defended takedowns, Kim kept attacking, landing body shots, controlling the cage, and forcing his opponent to fight at his pace.
Kim’s Cardio Becomes the Difference
The third round was the clearest round for Sang Uk Kim. Horobets had defended well through the first two rounds, but Kim’s conditioning and pressure began to take over.
Kim pushed forward, secured control positions, and eventually brought the fight to the ground. From there, he maintained heavy top pressure, threatened submissions, and mixed in ground-and-pound while preventing Horobets from creating meaningful offense.
Late in the round, Kim continued to attack instead of coasting. He returned to his feet, landed punches, and closed the fight aggressively, leaving little doubt that he had done enough to win.
The performance showed Kim’s growth beyond his grappling base. His striking looked sharper, his pressure was consistent, and his ability to maintain pace over three rounds proved decisive.
AFC 41 Main Card Results
Ítalo Freitas defeated Colton Kielbasa via unanimous decision in a five-round main event.
Van Tuan Le defeated Qubiluohua via rear-naked choke submission at 2:50 of Round 1.
Sang Uk Kim defeated Kyrylo Horobets via unanimous decision.
Jovidon Khojaev defeated Emmanuel Isuekpe via KO/TKO from punches from back mount at 1:19 of Round 2.
Byeung Kwon Choi defeated Dinh Khai Bui via triangle choke submission at 4:00 of Round 2.
Joon Hyun Park defeated Harry Smith by majority decision.
Min Gyu Kim defeated Hoang Anh Vo via KO/TKO from punches from crucifix at 2:15 of Round 1.
What the Win Means for Sang Uk Kim
Sang Uk Kim’s AFC 41 win was not just another decision victory. It was a strong response in a matchup against an experienced opponent with the same record and a difficult defensive style.
Horobets showed strong balance and grappling awareness, especially in the clinch, but Kim’s pressure, cardio, striking, and late-fight control gave him the edge.
For Havas MMA, the result adds another meaningful international win to the team’s resume. For Kim, the victory pushes him to 14-4 and keeps him relevant among Korea’s experienced fighters competing on the Asian MMA circuit.
AFC 41 gave Sang Uk Kim a chance to prove he could handle adversity, adjust during the fight, and win with a complete performance. He did exactly that in Vietnam.
AFC 41 full fight replays available on AFC’s official Youtube channel.
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He needs stiffer competition