Sang Uk Kim fights at AFC 41
Sang Uk Kim is preparing for an important comeback as he steps into AFC 41 on June 20, 2026 at the Grand Ho Tram in Vung Tau, Vietnam. After a strong run through Road to UFC Season 4 in Shanghai, where he defeated Daichi Kamiya and Yawei Ren, Kim reached the brink of a UFC contract before falling short against Dom Mar Fan by unanimous decision at UFC 325 in Sydney. The loss halted his momentum, but it did not diminish the promise he showed throughout the tournament. AFC 41 now becomes a crucial moment for him to reset, rebuild, and reestablish himself as one of Korea’s most polished welterweight prospects.
His opponent, Kyrylo Horobets, brings his own compelling storyline into this matchup. Fighting out of Bali, Indonesia, the Ukrainian striker was originally scheduled to face Kim in 2024 at AFC 35 before the bout was cancelled. Two years later, the fight is finally happening. Horobets enters the event with confidence after earning a unanimous decision victory over Allisson Barbosa, and he has made it clear that he views this matchup as unfinished business. His striking fundamentals, forward pressure, and conditioning make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
For Kim, this fight represents more than a booking. It is a chance to show that the loss in Sydney was a lesson rather than a setback. His strengths remain the same: sharp boxing combinations, disciplined footwork, and a calm, intelligent approach to exchanges. His Road to UFC performances demonstrated that he can compete with high level talent, and AFC 41 gives him the opportunity to prove that he is still on the path toward another run at the tournament.
The matchup itself is a contrast of styles. Kim thrives when he can control distance, dictate rhythm, and counter with precision. Horobets prefers to close space, create chaos, and force opponents into uncomfortable exchanges. The fighter who controls the pace will likely control the outcome. Kim’s experience against UFC level competition gives him an edge in composure, while Horobets brings the kind of pressure that can break opponents who hesitate.
Full AFC 41 Fight Card
AFC 41 features international talent across multiple divisions, including:
- Flyweight Ítalo Freitas vs Colton Kielbasa
- Lightweight Hoang Anh Vo vs Min Gyu Kim
- Flyweight Tuan Van Le vs Qubiluohua
- Flyweight Dinh Khai Bui vs Byung Kwon Choi
- Welterweight Jovidon Khojaev vs Emmanuel Isuekpe
- Welterweight Sang Uk Kim vs Kyrylo Horobets
- Featherweight Joo Hyun Park vs Harry Smith
Fans can watch the event live on AFC’s official youtube channel, when the broadcast begins on June 20, 2026 at 18:00 VST (which is 7 AM Eastern, 6 AM Central, and 4 AM Pacific).
Sang Uk Kim vs Kyrylo Horobets Prediction
Kim enters this fight with urgency, but also with the tools to succeed. His technical discipline, sharper counters, and experience in high pressure environments give him a clear path to victory. If he maintains distance, uses his jab to disrupt Horobets, and avoids prolonged exchanges along the fence, he can outpoint the Ukrainian fighter over three rounds. The prediction here is a composed and strategic performance from Sang Uk Kim, earning a unanimous decision and placing himself back in the conversation for a future Road to UFC season.
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