Taekwondo veteran takes to MMA cage
Mixed martial arts fighter Hong Young-ki, also known as "Grandpa" fighter / Courtesy of FacebookA former taekwondo competitor is raising eyebrows by launching a career in mixed martial arts at the ripe age of 31. In 2006, Hong Young-ki was a promising prospect for the national taekwondo team, but chose to sign a professional deal instead. However, his plan was foiled when the agency that signed him backed out. Hong is back, with a dream to use taekwondo to become a top international MMA fighter. In his first match, promoted by Road FC in November, Hong knocked out Baek Seung-min, who is also known as the “Korean zombie,” in under 21 seconds. Due to his age, which is advanced by professional fighting standards, some of Hong’s colleagues have dubbed him “Grandpa.”
Jan 12, 2015By Ko Dong-hwan