▶ RTU5 Decides to Make a Comeback After Eliminating…”Recovering his injury, preparing for any stage”
■ 1. What was reported at the Zeus FC 17 site
Japan’s “Shuto” is one of Asia’s six major MMA organizations in terms of player size. Lim Kwan-woo (25, Extreme Combat) is ranked No. 1 in the lightweight (70kg) rankings in September 2026, which was announced on October 1.
사진 확대 Shuto lightweight No. 1 Lim Kwan-woo passes the Asian MMA talent discovery project Road to UFC season 5 featherweight quarter-final race in May 2026 in Inguo Jihui, a special administrative district in Macau, China. It is 188cm tall and 189.2cm in wingspan. Photo = Courtesy of Lee Kyo-duk, a martial arts reporter
On October 24, the mixed martial arts competition “Jeus FC 17” was held at Olympus Arena in Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, with a total of 14 games, including 8 main cards and 6 under cards. Lim Kwan-woo visited the scene to help three of his extreme battle teammates compete.
“I’m fine now.”
사진 확대 Shuto lightweight No. 1 Lim Kwan-woo takes a commemorative photo after passing the Asian mixed martial arts talent discovery project Road to UFC season 5 featherweight quarter-final relay in May 2026 in Inguo Jihui, a special administrative district in Macau, China. It is 188cm tall and 189.2cm in wingspan. Photo = Courtesy of Lee Kyo-duk, a martial arts reporter
In an interview with MK Sports, he revealed that he is calmly preparing to return, telling the latest situation after Road to UFC elimination.
■ 2. RTU Season 5 Quarter-final match and injury bad news
If you win the RTU quarter-final tournament, an Asian talent search project, you will qualify for a UFC regular contract. Lim Kwan-woo suffered a unanimous decision defeat in the Road to UFC season 5 featherweight (66 kg) quarterfinal in May 2025.
However, the second-round position reversal and submission attempts left a deep impression. The creative hybrid technology, which combines a leg triangle with a “twister” that holds and twists the entire spine and neck bone, was enough to threaten Aher Zhang Irinual (28), the Chinese wrestling championship’s youth bronze medalist.
사진 확대 Shuto lightweight No. 1 Lim Kwan-woo is attacking Chinese wrestling championship No. 3 Ahejiang Irish with a hybrid technology that combines the Asian talent project Road to UFC 5 featherweight quarterfinal twister and leg triangle at Inhe Zheng Pavilion in Macau, China, in May 2026. Photo = Courtesy of Lee Kyo-duk, a martial arts reporter 
사진 확대 Lim Kwan-woo, the No. 1 player in Shuto’s lightweight division, has not been able to wake up in the aftermath of a knee injury since the end of the 5 minutes × 3 rounds of the 5th featherweight quarterfinal of the season of Road to UFC in May 2026 at Inhe Zongyigwan in the special administrative district of Macau, China. Photo = Courtesy of Lee Kyo-duk, a martial arts reporter
However, due to the aftermath of injuring his knee during the grappling battle, he failed to reverse the 5 minutes × 3 rounds. Due to injuries, even if they made it to the semifinals, it was difficult to play normally.
■ 3. Acclaimed and superior physical potential from overseas experts
During the Road to UFC season 5 quarter-final, the average dividend rate for major gamblers was +105, which was a close match, with Lim Kwan-woo’s chance of winning 48.8%.
사진 확대
Cedric Dumas, from French-speaking Quebec, Canada, is a recognized source from Q4 2023. In addition to RTU, he is considered one of the top experts related to major league auditions in mixed martial arts, such as the Contender Series, hosted directly by UFC President Dana Frederick White Jr. (57, USA). Regarding Lim Kwan-woo, he predicted as follows.
“I’m not at all surprised to get another chance to participate in Road to UFC, as I’m excited for my physical potential and solid growth as a striker. I’m still looking forward to a less processed physical potential.”
사진 확대 Shuto lightweight No. 1 Lim Kwan-woo is facing Ahejiang Ironual, No. 3 in the Chinese Wrestling Championship in the 5th featherweight quarterfinal of the season of the Asian Talent Project Road to UFC at Inhe Zongyigwan in Macau Special Administrative Region, China, in May 2026. It is 188cm tall and 189.2cm in wingspan. Photo = Courtesy of Lee Kyo-duk, a martial arts reporter
Based on the UFC’s official profile, Lim Kwan-woo is 188cm tall and 189.2cm of Wingspan, which is rare in featherweight as well as lightweight.
■ 4. Willingness to make a comeback regardless of stage
Lim Kwan-woo showed his strong will to make a comeback in mixed martial arts.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s not necessarily Shuto. Not only other Japanese competitions, but also Korean groups are good. If you call me, I’ll run.”
사진 확대 Lim Kwan-woo, the No. 1 player in the Shuto lightweight division, is playing a quarterfinal match of the 5 featherweight of the season of the Road to UFC, an Asian mixed martial arts talent discovery project at Inhe Zong Pavilion in the special administrative district of Macau, China, in May 2026. It is 188cm tall and 189.2cm in wingspan. Photo = Courtesy of Lee Kyo-duk, a martial arts reporter 
사진 확대 Shuto lightweight No. 1 Lim Kwan-woo faces Chinese wrestling championship bronze medallist Ahe Zhang Irinual in the 5 featherweight quarterfinals of the season 5 of the Road to UFC, a project to discover Asian mixed martial arts talent, at Inhe Zong Yigwan in Macau’s special administrative district in May 2026. Photo = Courtesy of Lee Kyo-duk, a martial arts reporter
A full injury recovery and a clear next bout win are crucial to securing a road to UFC berth again. Combat fans are paying attention to which country and organization Lim Kwan-woo, who has overwhelming physical and creative skills, will take the first step toward rebound.
[Cheongju = Kang Daeho, MK Sports Reporter]