kim gained recognition after signing with the japanese deep organization, earning a succession of wins before knocking out deep welterweight champion hidehiko hasegawa in a non-title bout in 2007. kim and hasegawa later fought to a controversial draw in a title fight at deep 32nd impact, leaving defending champion hasegawa with the title. kim departed from deep to sign a contract with pride fighting championships, but the ufc purchased and dismantled pride before kim could fight in the organization. kim's performances attracted the attention of world extreme cagefighting (wec) talent scouts, who offered him a contract. however, because the wec is not televised in korea, kim's management pushed for and received a contract with the ultimate fighting championship (ufc), which airs on korean cable television.