UFC 141: In-depth preview Dong Hyun Kim vs Sean Pierson

Kim vs. Pierson is one of four UFC 141 bouts that will stream LIVE on Facebook Friday night starting at 7:15 p.m. ET (4:15 p.m. PT).

Dong Hyun Kim (14-1-1, 1 NC MMA, 5-1, 1 NC UFC)

Thirty-year-old judo black belt Dong Hyun Kim is coming off his first loss in the UFC, and the first loss of his career, a first round knockout to top 170 pound contender Carlos Condit at UFC 132 in July. Prior to that, Kim had won three fights in a row against Nate Diaz, Amir Sadollah and T.J. Grant. Just prior to that, in January 2009, Kim suffered a split decision loss to Karo Parisyan that was later overturned to a no-contest after Parisyan tested positive for painkillers. Kim made his UFC debut in May 2008 with a third round TKO win over Jason Tan at UFC 84. He returned just over three months later to win a split decision over Matt Brown at UFC 88.

Sean Pierson (11-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC)

Thirty-five-year-old Sean Pierson turned pro in 1999 and spent the majority of his career fighting on the regional circuit in his home country of Canada. His career was up-and-down until 2008 when he started a five-fight run that began with a first round stoppage of UFC vet Jason MacDonald at TKO 35 in Montreal. When the UFC came to Montreal in December 2010 Pierson got his big break. He got the call to step in on short notice to fight Matt Riddle at UFC 124 after Riddle’s original opponent, T.J. Waldburger, was forced to withdraw due to injury. Pierson ended up winning every round 30-27 to take home a unanimous decision victory. Pierson returned to action in April at UFC 129. Originally scheduled to fight Brian Foster, Jake Ellenberger replaced Foster after he pulled out with an injury. Unfortunately for Pierson, Ellenberger stopped him at 2:42 of round one with a knockout.

The match-up: Kim has been fighting at a higher level for a lot longer and he has done very well. Both guys are coming off first round knockouts to two of the top guys in the division, Ellenberger and Condit. Pierson has more submission wins on his record, but he won’t be the first person to submit Kim.

The pick: Kim has faced and beaten tougher opponents. The same can not really be said for Pierson. At -400 for Kim and + 300 for Pierson, the oddsmakers have this one right. Kim wins by decision.

via http://prommanow.com/index.php/2011/12/29/ufc-141-prelims-preview-dong-hyun-kim-vs-sean-pierson/