Video: Tuf China Finale Healiner John Hathaway's UFC Debut

Video: Tuf China Finale Healiner John Hathaway's UFC Debut

John Hathaway vs Dong Hyun Kim Headlines TUF China Finale

John Hathaway vs Dong Hyun Kim Headlines TUF China Finale
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

John Hathaway will take on Dong Hyun Kim at the Finale of The Ultimate Fighter China, in the main event of the evening.

The Finale of TUF: China will take place on March 1st, at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena and streams on UFC Fight Pass, the UFC’s recently launched digital network which is currently unavailable in The UK. A launch date for the service in the UK is yet to be confirmed.

Hathaway vs Kim where originally scheduled to meet over 3 years ago at UFC 120 in London, however an injury force Kim to withdraw from the card.

One of the UK's most promising prospects, John Hathaway (17-1, 7-1 UFC) had his UFC debut in 2009 at UFC 93, where he defeated Tom Egan by TKO. He followed that up with decision wins over Rick Story, Paul Taylor and Diego Sanchez before falling short against Mike Pyle, who replaced Kim at UFC 120.

Following the loss to Pyle, Hathaway rebounded with decision wins over Kris McCray, Pascal Krauss and John Maguire, however the 26 year old has not fought since 2012 due to an inflammatory bowel disease known as ulcerative colitis.

South Korean, Kim (18-2, 9-2 UFC) enters the bout on a 3 fight win streak made up of impressive decision victories over Paulo Thiago, Siyar Bahadurzada, and most recently Erik Silva, who he knocked in a shock “Knockout of the Night” victory.

A long time top 10 welterweight, Kim's only 2 losses have come to former interim champion Carlos Condit, and Damian Maia, a bout which Kim lost due to an injury sustained during a throw.

The Ultimate Fighter: China features a cast of featherweights and welterweights and is currently airing on Liaoning Satellite TV in China. Former Strikeforce champion Cung Le serves as an a mentor to the fighters.

John Hathaway Meets Erick Silva at UFC on Fuel 10

John Hathaway to face Erick Silva at UFC on Fuel TV 10 in Brazil

In a battle between 2 of the finest Welterweight prospects in the UFC, The UKs John Hathaway (17-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) will meet Erick Silva (14-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) at UFC on Fuel 10 in Brazil, on June 8th, on a fightcard which also serves as the finale for the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.

UFC on Fuel 10 is expected to take place June 8 at Ginasio Paulo Sarasate in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil. The event's main card airs on FUEL TV in the US following prelims on Facebook.

UFC officials announced the bout following an initial report from Brazilian website Globo.

25-year-old John Hathaway one of the finest talents in the UK, is currently riding a 3 fight win streak including wins over TUF finalist Kris McCray, Pascal Krauss and John Maguire - all of which came by decision, and will be fighting outside of The UK for only the 5th time in his 18 fight career. Of Hathaways 7 UFC wins, including notable victories over Rick Story and Diego Sanchez, all but 1 have come by decisiom

His opponent Silva who recently had to pull out of his proposed UFC 156 bout with Jay Hieron, fights in his home land for the 4th time in his 5 fight UFC career. Silva returns to the cage following his UFC 153 lose to Jon Fitch that most observers consider his first true defeat inside the octagon, with his other lose on record coming from a disqualification for illegal punches to the back of the head in a bout against Carlo Prater at UFC 142 which Silva knocked out Prater. Referee Mario Yamasaki who disqualified Silva later admitted to erring in his stoppage.

For the latest on UFC on Fuel 10, stay tuned to the calendar section of the site.