Match Analysis: Yawei Ren vs Sang Uk Kim – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-08-22
- Time: 9:00 AM UTC
- Location: Road to UFC: Shanghai, Shanghai, China
Game Overview
The fight between Yawei Ren and Sang Uk Kim is a lightweight bout scheduled for 3 rounds at Road to UFC: Shanghai on August 22, 2025. Ren is known as a knockout artist from China with an 8-3 record, while Sang Uk Kim, from South Korea, holds an 11-3 record. Both fighters have demonstrated striking skills, with Ren having 5 KO/TKO wins and Kim having 6 KO/TKO wins, but Ren has struggled when stepping up in competition. The bout is anticipated to showcase aggressive striking and tactical grappling exchanges.
Key Factors to Consider
- Yawei Ren has an 8-3 record with 5 KO/TKO victories and has shown explosive knockout power but tends to falter at higher competition levels. Sang Uk Kim holds an 11-3 record with 6 KO/TKO wins, showing a balanced mix of striking and grappling with fewer finishes by decision compared to Ren.
- No direct previous fights between Yawei Ren and Sang Uk Kim have been recorded, making this their first encounter, adding uncertainty to the matchup.
- No reported injuries for either fighter leading up to the bout have been noted in available data.
- The fight takes place in Shanghai, China, potentially favoring Yawei Ren as the local fighter. This may provide slight motivation and crowd support advantages.
- Yawei Ren aims to prove growth beyond previous competition failures and capitalize on the home advantage, while Sang Uk Kim seeks to assert his experience and balance of striking and grappling to secure a dominant performance to cement his spot in the tournament.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Yawei Ren: -130, Sang Uk Kim: 100 | Yawei Ren to win | ★★★☆☆ 65% |
| Spread | Yawei Ren -1.5 rounds: -110, Sang Uk Kim +1.5 rounds: -110 | Yawei Ren -1.5 rounds | ★★★☆☆ 60% |
| Over/under | Over 2.5 rounds: -110, Under 2.5 rounds: -110 | Under 2.5 rounds | ★★★☆☆ 55% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Yawei Ren -1% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | N/A |
🔥 Best Value Pick: Yawei Ren at -1% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 0% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Given the betting odds favoring Yawei Ren (-130) over Sang Uk Kim (+100), combined with Ren's knockout capability and home advantage, the prediction is a narrow victory for Yawei Ren by knockout or technical knockout within 3 rounds, though Sang Uk Kim’s balanced style and experience make him a dangerous opponent.
Predicted Score: Yawei Ren wins by KO/TKO in round 2