Overview
Sang Won Kim (김상원) was born on September 1, 1993, in Incheon, South Korea.
Standing 5’9″ (175 cm) with a 69.5-inch (177 cm) reach, he competes in the featherweight division while representing Korean Top Team in Seoul. Known by the nickname “No Problem,” Sang Won Kim has compiled a professional record of 15-6-1, with victories by knockout, submission, and decision.
Since turning professional in 2017, Kim has steadily climbed the regional rankings through appearances in Top Fighting Championship (TFC), Double G FC, Pancrase, HEX Fight Series, and the Professional Fighters League. His ability to win consistently across multiple countries has established him as one of Korea’s most experienced international featherweights.
As of 2026, Kim is riding a five-fight winning streak, the longest of his professional career, highlighted by his successful PFL debut and multiple victories in Japan’s Pancrase organization.
Early Life & Background
Public information regarding Sang Won Kim’s early childhood and introduction to martial arts remains limited. Born in Incheon, he eventually relocated to Seoul, where he became a member of Korean Top Team, one of South Korea’s premier MMA gyms. There he trained alongside several UFC veterans and internationally recognized fighters, developing into a complete mixed martial artist capable of competing at a high level in multiple disciplines.
Sang Won Kim made his professional debut in 2017, entering one of the most competitive eras in Korean MMA. Instead of building his record exclusively at home, he accepted opportunities to compete internationally early in his career, gaining valuable experience against opponents from Japan, Australia, and other regions. Those experiences helped shape the composed, well-rounded style that defines his performances today.
Fighting Style
Sang Won Kim is a well-rounded featherweight whose offensive output is evenly distributed between striking, grappling, and technical decision victories.
His professional victories include:
- 5 wins by KO/TKO
- 5 wins by submission
- 5 wins by decision
That balance reflects a fighter who is comfortable adapting his strategy based on the opponent. Kim has earned knockout victories through powerful combinations and pressure striking, while also demonstrating effective submission skills with rear naked chokes and arm triangle chokes.
His recent performances have showcased improved patience and fight IQ. Rather than chasing finishes recklessly, Kim has become increasingly effective at controlling range, managing tempo, and making intelligent adjustments over the course of a fight. This evolution has been a major factor in his recent winning streak.
Professional Career
Sang Won Kim made his professional debut in 2017, initially competing in Top Fighting Championship (TFC) before expanding onto the international circuit. Early in his career he gained valuable experience through bouts in Russia and Australia’s HEX Fight Series, where he earned one of his most notable victories by submitting future UFC featherweight Jack Jenkins with a first-round rear naked choke in 2018.
From 2020 through 2021, Sang Won Kim competed in Double G FC, where he captured the vacant DGFC Featherweight Championship by submitting Gi Bum Moon with an arm triangle choke. The title victory established him as one of Korea’s leading featherweights and further demonstrated his versatility as a finisher.
Sang Won Kim’s career continued to progress internationally when he joined Pancrase, one of Japan’s most respected MMA organizations. Between 2023 and 2024, he compiled an undefeated 3-0 record in the promotion with victories over Ryogo Takahashi, Hirotaka Nakada, and other experienced opponents. His success in Japan significantly raised his international profile.
In late 2024, Sang Won Kim signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), leading to the cancellation of a scheduled Pancrase appearance. He made an immediate impact by defeating former UFC and Bellator veteran Humberto Bandenay via second-round TKO at PFL Sioux Falls in May 2026, extending his winning streak to five consecutive fights. The victory marked the biggest win of his professional career and positioned him for larger opportunities within the organization.
Career Highlights
- Professional record of 15-6-1.
- Nicknamed “No Problem.”
- Represents Korean Top Team.
- Current five-fight winning streak.
- Former Double G FC Featherweight Champion.
- Undefeated 3-0 run in Pancrase.
- Successful Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut with a TKO victory over Humberto Bandenay.
- Holds a notable submission victory over future UFC featherweight Jack Jenkins.
- Competed in TFC, Double G FC, Pancrase, HEX Fight Series, and PFL.
Summary & Trajectory
Sang Won Kim’s career has been defined by steady improvement rather than overnight success. Through consistent performances across several international promotions, he has developed into one of South Korea’s premier active featherweights outside the UFC. His balanced finishing ability, championship experience, and willingness to compete internationally have earned him a reputation as one of Korean Top Team’s most dependable professionals.
Now competing under the PFL banner, Kim appears to be entering the prime of his career. With victories over respected international opponents and momentum from a five-fight winning streak, “No Problem” is well positioned to continue elevating his profile on the global MMA stage.
Sang Won Kim has quietly emerged as one of South Korea's most accomplished active featherweights competing outside the UFC. Nicknamed "No Problem," Kim has steadily built an impressive international résumé through disciplined performances in Korea, Japan, Australia, and, most recently, the Professional Fighters League (PFL). His career reflects consistent growth, transforming him from a promising regional prospect into a fighter capable of competing on the global stage.
What separates Kim from many regional featherweights is his balance. Rather than relying on a single weapon, he has demonstrated legitimate finishing ability in both striking and grappling while also proving capable of winning tactical decisions against experienced opposition. His recent five-fight winning streak, which included victories in Pancrase, TFC, and PFL, has elevated him into the conversation as one of Korea's top featherweights outside the UFC.
Representing Korean Top Team, Kim has also shown a willingness to test himself internationally. His success in Japan's Pancrase and his victory in his PFL debut demonstrate that his skill set translates beyond the Korean regional scene. At 32 years old, he appears to be competing at the highest level of his career, making him a fighter worth following as he continues pursuing opportunities with major international promotions.
Sang Kwon Han
Dae Hwan Kim
Yong Soo Jung
