Among the battles on the card, the lightweight clash between South Korea’s Sang-Uk “Frog Man” Kim and Australia’s Dom “Street Buddha” Mar Fan draws significant attention from fans and pundits alike.
This bout marks the final of the Road to UFC Season 4 Lightweight Tournament, and both contenders bring distinctive styles and momentum into the Octagon.
In this article, we analyze each fighter’s strengths, weaknesses, and trends to offer a detailed fan prediction that goes beyond hype.
Our goal is to give MMA followers a well-rounded view of how this matchup might play out.
Fighter Profiles: Overview of Skills and Backgrounds
Sang-Uk “Frog Man” Kim
Sang-Uk Kim enters the fight holding a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 3 losses. At 32 years old, Kim brings experience and a balanced skill set into this matchup.
Competing out of Seoul, South Korea, Kim has established himself as a veteran presence with multiple finishes by both strikes and submissions, demonstrating diverse ways to win.
Kim’s recent form is impressive. He is on a four-fight winning streak, picking up victories in the ‘Road to UFC’ tournament to reach this final.
His record shows 5 TKO/KO victories, 4 submission wins, and 4 decision results, highlighting his ability to adapt to different fight dynamics.
Physically, Kim stands 6 feet tall with a 71-inch reach, giving him decent striking range for the lightweight division.
His broad MMA resume suggests he can handle high-pressure situations and grind through tough rounds when necessary.
Dom “Street Buddha” Mar Fan
Dom Mar Fan brings an 8-2 professional record into the cage. The 25-year-old Australian fights out of the Team Compton Training Centre, and despite being younger and having fewer pro fights than Kim, Mar Fan has quickly made a name for himself on the regional circuit.
Mar Fan’s record reflects his versatility and finishing ability, with wins coming via decision, submission, and knockout.
His recent four-fight win streak showcases consistency and confidence heading into a high-stakes contest.
At 5’11” with a 75-inch reach, Mar Fan holds a slight reach advantage over Kim. That extra reach, paired with strategic striking, may help him manage distance effectively and control the pace early in the fight.
Comparing Styles and Fight Strategies
Striking and Stand-Up Game
Sang-Uk Kim has shown respectable striking skills throughout his career. With 5 KO/TKO victories to his name, he’s no stranger to landing damage with powerful punches and elbows.
His significant striking output, as evidenced by recent fight stats, indicates an aggressive approach in stand-up exchanges.
Dom Mar Fan, while not as heavy-handed in terms of knockouts, possesses sharp and technical striking, complemented by excellent reach for a lightweight.
His preference for mixing combinations with movement can frustrate opponents who rely solely on pressure.
This fight’s striking dimension may hinge on who dictates range. Kim’s experience could allow him to close the distance and engage inside, while Mar Fan may attempt to use footwork and reach to keep Sang-Uk at bay.
Grappling and Submission Threats
Both fighters feature submission chops. Kim’s career includes multiple submission wins, revealing his comfort on the ground and ability to finish from various grappling positions.
Mar Fan has also shown competency on the mat, with submission victories demonstrating that he can threaten opponents if the fight hits the canvas.
The question here is not whether either fighter can grapple, it’s who imposes their grappling plan first.
Given Kim’s longer career and variety of finishes, he might have a slight edge in scramble situations. But Mar Fan’s athleticism and younger gas tank could balance this advantage.
Momentum and Psychological Edge
Momentum plays a subtle yet impactful role in MMA. Both men enter the final on four straight wins, but Kim’s longer professional journey suggests he has handled adversity and evolving fight conditions more frequently.
Mar Fan, though younger, has showcased poise and smart fight IQ by maintaining focus through his recent matches.
Confidence matters, and at this stage of his career, Mar Fan could be fueled by the prospect of making a major statement on a big stage.
Tapology Fan Picks and Odds
Fan predictions provide an interesting snapshot of public sentiment. According to Tapology community picks for this matchup, a majority of fans predict Dom Mar Fan to win.
Their community percentages show about 77% favoring Mar Fan, with 23% backing Kim.
While fan sentiment does not guarantee fight outcomes, it can reflect how people view style matchups and momentum.
The notable lean toward Mar Fan indicates that many see his skill set and momentum as a key advantage in this fight.
Prediction: Who Takes the Lightweight Crown?
With all factors considered, experience, striking versatility, grappling balance, and fight IQ, this matchup is shaping up to be competitive and tactical.
Kim’s varied finishing methods are impressive, but Mar Fan’s combination of reach, pace, and recent form gives him the edge in this bout.
Prediction: Dom Mar Fan edges out Sang-Uk Kim in a close but decisive performance. Fans may see Mar Fan control range and pace effectively, possibly winning by decision or a late submission finish if the fight extends into deeper rounds.
This prediction aligns with fan consensus and statistical comparisons, but Martial Arts bouts are never certain; one well-timed strike or scramble reversal can instantly change the night.
Final Thoughts
The UFC 325 final between Kim Sang-Wook and Dom Mar Fan promises to be one of the most intriguing lightweight battles on the card.
Both athletes bring strong pedigrees and impressive streaks, but Mar Fan appears likely to take a narrow victory if he can leverage his reach and consistency across rounds.