The co-main event of UFC Vegas 33 features bantamweights South Korea’s Kyung Ho Kang returning from a year-long layoff in search of his fourth straight victory, going up against Brazilian grappling standout and divisional veteran Rani Yahya.
Kyung Ho Kang vs Rani Yahya UFC Vegas 33 preview
Kang, 33, did not compete in 2020 due to a series of health issues, including orbital and back injuries. However, “Mr. Perfect” is eager to get back to his winning ways.
Following wins over Tehruto Ishihara, Brandon Davis, and Pingyuan Liu in his last three Octagon appearances, Kang believes a win over Yahya should earn him a fight with a ranked opponent next.
Yahya, 36, has won three of his last five fights to the tune of a 3-1-1 record in that time. He went to a draw with gritty veteran Enrique Barzola in 2020 and submitted Ray Rodriguez to kick off his 2021 campaign in March.
Against Kang, Yahya will look to notch his second straight win and likewise, make a case for a ranked opponent next. It will be a stiff test, as Kang’s wrestling could pose a threat to Yahya’s bread and butter Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
UFC Vegas 33 takes place on July 31, from inside the UFC Apex, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The preliminary portion of the card begins at 6 pm ET. Main card action follows at 9 pm ET. The event will air on ESPN and streaming service ESPN+.
–Field Level Media