So Yul Kim Set to Fight Yang Qingqing After Brief UFC Stint
After a whirlwind experience with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), South Korean MMA fighter So Yul Kim is set to return to the cage at AFC 37 in Vietnam on March 22, 2025. She will face China’s Yang Qingqing in a catchweight bout of 56kg.
UFC Contract and Sudden Departure
Kim’s journey to the UFC began in September 2023, when she signed with the world’s premier MMA association. A fight was scheduled against Brazil’s Eduarda Moura at UFC on ESPN+ 89 in Sao Paulo. However, just 15 days after the initial declaration, the fight was canceled.Ultimately, Kim was removed from the UFC’s active roster on March 18, 2025, ending her relationship with the promotion after 550 days without a single fight.
Dominance in ONE Championship
Prior to her UFC venture, Kim made a name for herself in ONE Championship, where she competed in the atomweight division from March 2018 to August 2023. She amassed an remarkable record of 5 wins and 1 loss during her time with the Singapore-based organization. Fight Matrix, a MMA ranking system, ranked Kim as high as fourth in the world in the atomweight division in 2024.
AFC 37 Opponent: yang Qingqing
Kim’s opponent, yang Qingqing, is a silver medalist at the 2023 Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) World Championships in the 60kg division. While her professional record in China may not be stellar, Yang possesses a natural size and strength advantage over Kim, having competed at higher weight classes in the past.
Kim’s Combat Sports Background
Prior to her MMA career, Kim competed in Muay Thai, amassing a 6-1 record in MAXFC from 2016-2018. Her overall professional MMA record stands at 8 wins and 1 loss, with 5 of those wins coming by submission.
South Korean Women in UFC History
Kim’s brief time in the UFC adds her name to the list of South Korean female fighters who have competed in the organization, including Seo Hee Ham (1-3), Chan-Mi Jeon (0-2), and Ji yeon Kim (3-7).
**What factors might have contributed to So Yul Kim’s short-lived tenure with the UFC, and how might these factors influence her future career trajectory?** (This question encourages analysis of the situation and prediction.)
So Yul Kim Set to Fight Yang qingqing After Brief UFC Stint
After a whirlwind experience with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), South Korean MMA fighter So Yul Kim is set to return to the cage at AFC 37 in Vietnam on March 22, 2025. She will face China’s Yang Qingqing in a catchweight bout of 56kg.
UFC Contract and Sudden Departure
Kim’s journey to the UFC began in September 2023, when she signed with the world’s premier MMA association.A fight was scheduled against Brazil’s Eduarda Moura at UFC on ESPN+ 89 in Sao Paulo. However, just 15 days after the initial declaration, the fight was canceled.Ultimately, Kim was removed from the UFC’s active roster on March 18, 2025, ending her relationship with the promotion after 550 days without a single fight.
Dominance in ONE Championship
Prior to her UFC venture, Kim made a name for herself in ONE Championship, where she competed in the atomweight division from March 2018 to August 2023. She amassed an remarkable record of 5 wins and 1 loss during her time with the Singapore-based institution. Fight Matrix,a MMA ranking system,ranked kim as high as fourth in the world in the atomweight division in 2024.
AFC 37 Opponent: yang Qingqing
Kim’s opponent, yang Qingqing, is a silver medalist at the 2023 Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) World Championships in the 60kg division. While her professional record in China may not be stellar, Yang possesses a natural size and strength advantage over Kim, having competed at higher weight classes in the past.
Kim’s Combat Sports Background
Prior to her MMA career, Kim competed in Muay Thai, amassing a 6-1 record in MAXFC from 2016-2018. Her overall professional MMA record stands at 8 wins and 1 loss, with 5 of those wins coming by submission.
South Korean Women in UFC history
Kim’s brief time in the UFC adds her name to the list of South Korean female fighters who have competed in the organization, including Seo Hee Ham (1-3), Chan-Mi jeon (0-2), and Ji yeon Kim (3-7).
So Yul Kim vs. Yang Qingqing: Q&A
Q: Why did So Yul Kim’s UFC fight get canceled?
A: the article states the fight against Eduarda Moura was canceled,but doesn’t provide the exact reason. The reasons for fight cancellations can vary, including injury, illness, or issues with the opponent.
Q: What is a “catchweight” bout?
A: A catchweight bout is a fight where the two competitors agree to fight at a weight that is not the standard weight class for either fighter.In this case, at 56kg.
Q: How successful was So Yul Kim in ONE Championship?
A: She had a very successful run,with a record of 5 wins and 1 loss in the atomweight division during her time with the promotion from March 2018 to August 2023.
Q: What is Yang Qingqing’s background?
A: Yang Qingqing is a silver medalist from the 2023 GAMMA World Championships in the 60kg division and has experience competing at higher weight classes,giving her a size and strength advantage.
Q: What are some other South korean female fighters that have fought in the UFC?
A: The article mentions Seo Hee Ham, Chan-Mi Jeon, and ji yeon Kim.
Q: What is So Yul Kim’s fighting style?
A: Beyond her MMA record, her background in Muay Thai suggests a strong striking game, and her 5 submission wins also indicate grappling skills.
With a return to the cage on the horizon,be sure to watch So Yul Kim’s fight at AFC 37 to see if she can add another win to her notable fight record.
