Hyun Gyu Lim finally has a return date, and the popular Korean slugger will be taking on Takenori Sato in hostile territory at UFC Fight Night 52. Although yet to be announced by the promotion, both parties have confirmed on social media that the Asian champs will indeed face off, with the former PXC champion competing against the former King of Pancrase when the UFC heads to Japan.
Lim last competed in UFC: Singapore last January, losing a spirited striking affair against the former Strikeforce champion in Tarec Saffiedine. Limping on one leg after taking several hard leg kicks, the massive 6-foot-2 welterweight came back from adversity and landed bombs that almost secured a come from behind win during the latter rounds. Saffiedine survived, and despite losing a decision, the Korean won over a bunch of new fans on his headlining bout, as he displayed massive heart that won him his second Fight of the Night bonus.
Related: BloodyElbow's UFC: Lim vs. Saffiedine Event Photos
Lim is currently 12-4-1, and has gone 2-1 in the UFC with both wins coming from highlight reel knockouts. Sato on the other hand, is a long time champion in Japan who made his UFC debut on short notice, losing to Erick Silva from an early kick that broke his ribs.
Japanese welterweight Kiichi Kunimoto will also be on the card as he makes a quick turn around after submitting Daniel Sarafian at UFC 174. According to MMA-in-Asia, the former HEAT champ will be looking for his 3rd UFC win when he faces TUF: Nations' Rich Walsh.
Also on the line up as Sherdog reports, violent Sengoku star Maximo Blanco will make a homecoming of sorts as he takes on Kiwi prospect Daniel Hooker, who is fresh off a TKO win over Ian Entwistle on his UFC debut last June.
UFC: Japan happens on September 20, 2014, and will be headlined by a heavyweight slugfest between Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson. The card will also have Japanese stars such as Takanori Gomi, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Kyoji Horiguchi, Rin Nakai, and Kid Yamamoto.