- Name
- Dae Hwan Kim
- Nationality
South Korea- Weight Class
- Bantamweight
- Korean Name
- 김대환
- Hometown
- N/A
- Professional Debut
- 2014
- Nickname
- Holy Beast
- Fighting Out Of
- Seoul, South Korea
- Height
- 5'6" (168 cm)
- Reach
- N/A
- Weight
- 134.9 lbs
- Birthday
- January 31, 1987
- Age
- 39
1. Overview
Dae Hwan Kim is one of the most experienced Korean mixed martial artists of his generation and a longtime veteran of ONE Championship. Known as “Holy Beast,” Kim built his reputation through toughness, well-rounded skills, and a willingness to compete against some of Asia’s toughest bantamweight and featherweight competition.
A former KAMMA Bantamweight Champion and national taekwondo gold medalist, Kim represented South Korea internationally for more than a decade while competing in ONE Championship, Road FC, and numerous Asian promotions.
His longevity and level of competition have made him one of the most respected veterans in Korean MMA.
Fighter Record
Official fight records, fight history, and statistical data are maintained by third-party databases and may change as new bouts are added. Readers can view the most up-to-date record information through the sources listed below.
Record Sources
2. Early Life & Background
Dae Hwan Kim was born in South Korea and later moved to Seoul while attending high school. Before transitioning to MMA, he excelled in taekwondo and won a national gold medal. He eventually earned a fourth-degree black belt and carried those striking foundations into his professional MMA career.
His martial arts background provided a strong foundation for his eventual success in mixed martial arts, where he developed into one of Korea’s most accomplished lower-weight fighters.
3. Fighting Style
Striking
Dae Hwan Kim’s taekwondo background is evident in his movement and kicking attacks. Throughout his career he developed effective boxing to complement his kicking arsenal, making him dangerous both at range and in exchanges.
Grappling
Although originally a striker, Dae Hwan Kim evolved into a complete mixed martial artist. His six professional submission victories demonstrate a strong grappling foundation and ability to finish fights on the ground.
Physical Attributes
Competing at both featherweight and bantamweight throughout his career, Kim relied on conditioning, toughness, and technical skill rather than overwhelming physical advantages. His durability allowed him to remain competitive across nearly two decades of professional competition.
Intangibles
Experience is Kim’s greatest asset. Few Korean fighters have faced as many international opponents over such a long period. His professionalism and longevity have earned respect throughout the Asian MMA community.
4. Professional Career
Early Career
Dae Hwan Kim began his professional MMA career in 2008 and quickly established himself as a promising prospect on the Korean regional circuit. His early success eventually led to championship opportunities and international recognition.
KAMMA Champion
One of the early highlights of Dae Hwan Kim’s career was capturing the KAMMA Bantamweight Championship, helping establish himself as one of Korea’s leading lower-weight fighters.
ONE Championship
Dae Hwan Kim became a fixture in ONE Championship, competing against elite talent from across Asia. Notable bouts included fights against Ayideng Jumayi, Daichi Takenaka, and Wei Xie while representing Korean MMA on one of the continent’s biggest stages.
Veteran Years
Even as new generations of Korean fighters emerged, Kim remained active and relevant. His career longevity and willingness to continue facing quality opposition have solidified his reputation as one of Korea’s most respected veterans.
5. Career Highlights
Championships & Accomplishments
- Former KAMMA Bantamweight Champion
- ONE Championship Veteran
- National Taekwondo Gold Medalist
- Fourth-Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo
- Nearly two decades of professional MMA experience
Notable Victories
- Ayideng Jumayi
- Thanh Vu
- Multiple ONE Championship victories
- Numerous wins across Korean and Asian regional promotions
Career Milestones
- Professional debut in 2008
- Captured KAMMA Bantamweight Championship
- Established ONE Championship career
- Became one of Korea’s longest-tenured active veterans
6. HanPunch Rating
Overall Grade: A
Striking █████████░ 88
Grappling ████████░░ 82
Athleticism ████████░░ 80
Durability █████████░ 89
Fight IQ █████████░ 87
Championship Potential ████████░░ 80
Marketability ████████░░ 81
HanPunch Assessment
Dae Hwan Kim represents the definition of an international Korean MMA veteran. While he never reached UFC competition, his accomplishments in ONE Championship and his longevity against quality Asian competition place him among the most respected lower-weight Korean fighters of his era.
7. Summary & Trajectory
Few Korean fighters have spent as much time competing against international opposition as Dae Hwan Kim. From his beginnings as a taekwondo champion to his years in ONE Championship, he has consistently represented Korean MMA at a high level.
His legacy is built not only on wins and championships but also on longevity, professionalism, and his role in helping establish Korean fighters on the broader Asian MMA scene.
