K-1&QUINTET Joint Event- new direction to K-1

In the world of martial arts, few tournaments hold the prestige and excitement of K-1. Over the years, it has firmly established itself as a leading platform for showcasing the talents of fighters across different weight classes. Recently, the K-1 Producer, Kikuta, and CEO Ohki made groundbreaking announcements that are set to revolutionize the tournament and expand its reach to a global audience.

Kikuta expressed his vision for the future of K-1, stating that while the tournament has traditionally been held in Japan, the time has come to take it overseas and create fresh, innovative content. This move aims to attract new audiences and create opportunities for fighters from around the world to participate in this prestigious event.

Ohki, the CEO of K-1, echoed Kikuta’s sentiments and proclaimed the opening of the tournament’s second chapter. He highlighted K-1’s success in firmly establishing the mid-lightweight genre and now looks forward to expanding its market to a global scale. The goal is to introduce the mid- and lightweight-class K-1 to audiences worldwide.

Looking ahead, K-1 plans to organize the heavyweight division under the name “K-1 WORLD GP” and the -75kg and under category, under the name “K-1 WORLD MAX.” Regional qualifiers for the “WORLD GP” will take place around the globe, while “WORLD MAX” will primarily focus on Japan due to its abundance of talented athletes. This restructuring is aimed at providing a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to the tournament.

Furthermore, K-1 is partnering with striking organizations, such as KOK, worldwide to hold a world qualifier in 2024. This step is expected to make the K-1 WORLD MAX even more exciting, setting the stage for a global tournament after 2024.

This collaboration aims to exchange fighters and further enhance the reputation of K-1 as a premier destination for top martial artists. Kyokushin Kaikan director Shoku Matsui emphasized the wealth of talent they have in various weight classes, eager to make their mark in K-1.

During a recent program, K-1 champions and contenders expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming events. Toshin Kuroda, the Bantamweight Champion, revealed his desire to carry the K-1 legacy by facing foreign opponents and proving himself as a true world champion. Taito Gunji, the Featherweight Champion, spoke of his ambition to compete against the best fighters globally and establish himself as the strongest featherweight.

Leona Pettus, the Super Featherweight Champion, shared her readiness to take on the world after a string of victories against formidable Japanese opponents. Masashi Kumura, who has a super bantamweight title match ahead, remains steadfast in his goal of becoming the strongest in the world and proving that K-1 stands tall among all standing martial arts competitions.

In closing, Kikuta P summarized K-1’s ambitious mission: “From Japan to the world, that is our watchword.” With the upcoming changes and collaborations, K-1 is poised to captivate fans worldwide and solidify its position as one of the most dynamic and thrilling martial arts tournaments on the planet. The second chapter of K-1 promises to be an exhilarating journey of global expansion and electrifying matchups, cementing its legacy for years to come.

More information: ReBOOT｜K-1 & QUINTET 共同イベント｜2023.9.10 YOKOHAMA (rebootkq.com)

KOK’113 Special Summer Edition in Cyprus Delivers an Unforgettable Night

On the 15th of July, the highly anticipated KOK’113 Special Summer Edition took place in Cyprus, captivating audiences with an evening filled with exhilarating martial arts action. This event brought together a diverse array of fighters, including renowned names from Cyprus as well as international talents, resulting in an unforgettable night that left spectators on the edge of their seats.

The KOK’113 event in Cyprus showcased the best of combat sports, thrilling the audience with explosive action throughout the night. From start to finish, each fight delivered adrenaline-pumping moments, displaying the competitors’ skill, courage, and determination.

-65 kg: Kyriakos Alepidis (CYP) def. Vaicheslav Borshevskis (LV) by SD

-65 kg: Christofer Thoma (CYP) def. Lukas Luka (CYP) by UD

-54 kg: Yousef Mehdi Husein (ISR) def. Andres Ioannou (CYP) by SD

-57 kg: Vassilis Ntozes (GR) def. Bassel Abo Alel (CYP/SYR) by UD

-71 kg: Pavlos Pavlidis (CYP) def. Savvas CHristoforou (CYP) by MD

-71 kg (Muay Thai Rules): Ruslan Fradkin (ISR) def. Panagitis Papastylianou (CYP) by UD

-67 kg: Paul Nsubmu Muna (Congo) def. Christos Evgeniou (CYP) by UD

-81 kg: Adel Berish (CYP) def. Vjaslav Teless (LV) by TKO, 3^rd rd (ref. stoppage)

-71 kg: Mohamad Dadmehr (IRN) def. Stefanos Stamatio (CYP) by SD

-65 kg: Marios Dapi (GR/ALB) def. Levan Revazishvili (CYP/GEO) by UD

-57 kg: Ismael Al Khadi (CYP) def. Vito Montemuro (ITA) by TKO, 1^st rd (doctor’s stoppage)

The next KOK event will be 23.09.2023 when a one-night, eight-man heavyweight WGP tournament will be held in Bonn, Germany.

You can watch replay on www.primefightplay.com

Oleksandr Usyk not bothered about Tyson Fury’s world title any more as Ukrainian says ‘we just need to fight’

OLEKSANDR USYK doesn’t even care about Tyson Fury’s WBC world title any more – he just wants to beat him up.

The 34-year-old Gypsy King turned down a mega-money Saudi Arabia offer to fight Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO champ last year, to decide an undisputed ruler.

And when they tried to renegotiate for a Wembley showdown Fury made so many demands for purse splits and rematch clauses that the 36-year-old walked away and accepted on August 26 mandatory defence against Daniel Dubois instead.

London 2012 gold winner Usyk has always dreamed of replicating his four-belt cruiserweight dominance up in the blue-riband division.

But Fury will instead face MMA giant Francis Ngannou in a ten-round crossover exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

Usyk said: “I don’t think about Fury at all, I just need to meet him in the ring.

“I don’t care about the belt any more. I need him. The WBC title is just a little extra motivation but the people and the fans just need to see us fight.

“We need to fight, we need to fight. People will talk about this fight for 20, 30, 40 years so we need to have the fight.

Usyk has been called almost every possible expletive by the Morecambe showman, with “gap-toothed rabbit” the least offensive.

But the moustachioed mastermind is too cool to hurl insults when he would much prefer to throw his fists in Fury’s direction.

“He’s beautiful,” Usyk said about the undefeated 20st superstar. “He’s funny.”

Team Usyk won the purse bid and are holding the bout in the Polish city of Wroclaw, where around 200,000 Ukrainians are believed to have taken refuge from the Russian invasion.

It is the closest the southpaw can get to fighting in his ravaged homeland and it sounds like he is keener than ever to put on a show for his people, on the weekend of their annual Independence celebrations.

“I think highly of Dubois,” he grinned in traditional Cossack clothes.

“He’s a nice guy and a good athlete.

“I have all the respect for him and his team but we need to finish talking and see each other on August 26.

“I am going to destroy my enemy and bring peace.”

Dynamite Dan is a 9-1 longshot with some bookies – after losing to Joe Joyce in 2020 and getting dropped three times in the first round of his December win over unknown Kevin Lerena.

But he wants to upset the applecart and odds with a destructive changing of the guard.

“Usyk has been a great champion but the belts will come home with me,” he said.

“I need to outdo him at everything, I need to unleash hell on this guy.

“I was born for this. Everything has led to me getting here. I am different and you guys will see that.

“The bookies can say what they want, it takes the pressure off me. I am just ready to take those belts away with me back home.”

Oleksandr Usyk not bothered about Tyson Fury’s world title any more as Ukrainian says ‘we just need to fight’ | The Sun

Francis Ngannou makes cheeky dig at UFC boss Dana White in official announcement of Tyson Fury fight

FRANCIS NGANNOU took the opportunity to fire shots at Dana White in the announcement of his boxing match with Tyson Fury.

The former UFC heavyweight champion’s multi-million-pound Saudi showdown with the Gypsy King was officially announced on Tuesday.

It saw Ngannou bag the biggest purse of his career a mere six months after leaving MMA’s top promotion.

White wasn’t keen on making the bout while the Cameroonian was still under contract with the UFC and recently suggested it a “gimmick fight”.

Ngannou, 36, clearly took the comments to heart, setting up his own promotion aptly named GIMIK Fight Promotions.

Ngannou’s formation of the promotion was revealed in the official press release for the fight.

An excerpt of the release read: “The clash is to find out who is ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ will take place under the official rules of boxing, with 3 judges ringside adopting the 10-point must system.

“Both fighters, however, are promising to meet in the middle of the ring, go to war and win by knockout in devastating fashion.

“An agreement has been reached with Queensberry, Top Rank and Ngannou’s Promotional banner, Gimik Fight Promotions, to partner with Riyadh Season to host the history-making event that will capture the imagination of fight fans around the globe.”

UFC fans were quick to see the not-so thinly-veiled dig at White and were quick to comment, with one saying: “No way hahaha genius.”

Ngannou’s clash with WBC heavyweight champion Fury will mark his professional boxing debut, in which he plans to turn the combat sports world upside down.

The Predator said: “I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years.

“My dream was always to box, and to box the best.

“After becoming the undisputed MMA Heavyweight Champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet…

“All I will say to Tyson for now is he better dance in that ring because if I touch him, he’s going to sleep.”

Francis Ngannou makes cheeky dig at UFC boss Dana White in official announcement of Tyson Fury fight | The Sun

Lithuanian Bushido Federations and Real Fight Promotion (RFP) joints forces for charity event in Ukraine

In the midst of the ongoing full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, the global community has rallied behind Ukraine, offering support and assistance in its quest for victory. One notable demonstration of solidarity comes from Lithuanian Bushido federation, prominent organizations in the world of mixed martial arts, who is supporting the Ukrainian MMA league, Real Fight Promotion (RFP). Together, they are organizing a highly anticipated charity event known as RFP 92 – Step To Top 22: UNBROKEN. This event aims to provide support Ukrainian athletes and will take place on July 23, 2023, in the city of Kolomyia.

Long lasting partnership between Lithuanian Bushido federation and Real Fight Promotion is a powerful testament to the unifying spirit of sports and the significance of coming together during challenging times. By leveraging their respective platforms and resources, these organizations are determined to make a positive impact on the lives of Ukrainian athletes affected by the ongoing conflict.

As the date of RFP 92 – Step To Top 22: UNBROKEN draws near, anticipation and excitement continue to build, both within Ukraine and across the globe. This charity event not only represents a remarkable display of solidarity but also symbolizes the unyielding spirit of Ukrainian athletes. Through their participation in this event, they aim to show the world that even in the face of adversity, they remain unbroken.

UFC star Dan Hooker suffers broken cheek bone as he shares skull X-ray after bloodbath fight against Jalin Turner

DAN HOOKER revealed the extent of his broken cheek bone suffered in his blood-soaked victory over Jalin Turner.

The New Zealander was left covered in claret as he edged past his American rival at UFC 290.

Hooker broke his arm during the bout but told UFC commentator Joe Rogan it was “just a scratch.”

The lightweight shared another X-ray on Instagram which revealed a facial fracture to his right cheek, which he dubbed “anudda scratch.”

Hooker, 33, believes he broke his arm in the opening round after defending a kick from Turner, 28.

He said on The MMA Hour: “I went back and I watched and I think it was a bit of a slow process.

“I think it was a front kick in the first round that I think might have put a little crack in it.

“If you look at it, just as round two starts, I look down at my arm because it’s not responding the way I want it to, and then in the second [round], he lands a couple more kicks and I think that breaks it.

“I definitely felt it in the second. I was like, ‘Something’s up here.’

“I couldn’t feel my right hand, and then it wasn’t until the third round, I dropped him and I tried to finish him, I was following up with punches, and it was one punch and I was like, ‘I’m going to throw my right hand anyways.’

“I threw my right and I felt it completely go out of place. My whole right arm just went dead. It’s not how I wanted to win.

“I was just controlling him on top with my right elbow and just staying on top punching him with my left hand.”

Hooker is expected to receive a medical suspension but he is already looking forward to getting on the mend.

He said: “[The broken arm is] pretty sore. But what are you going to do about it?.

“We’ll get it all fixed up and back to 100 per cent in no time.”

UFC star Dan Hooker suffers broken cheek bone as he shares skull X-ray after bloodbath fight against Jalin Turner | The Sun

Conor McGregor confirms long-awaited UFC return date despite MISSING drug testing deadline for Michael Chandler fight

CONOR MCGREGOR has announced the date for his long-awaited comeback fight – despite not being back in the UFC’s drug testing pool.

The mixed martial arts mogul was set to throw down with Michael Chandler – his rival coach on the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter – later this year.

McGregor, however, missed the deadline to re-enter the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool – which he must be in for a minimum of six months – to make a return before year’s end.

But The Notorious insists he will be back before the year is out, tweeting he’ll fight in “December” when quizzed by a fan over the weekend.

McGregor would have to be granted an exemption to USADA’s testing pool requirement for returning fighters in order to return on the UFC‘s final pay-per-view event of 2023 on December 16.

The UFC have the power to issue exemptions to the written notice rule in “exceptional circumstances or where the strict application of that rule would be manifestly unfair to the athlete.”

WWE star and former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar was famously given an exemption to a then four-month testing pool requirement in 2016 in order to fight at UFC 200.

And UFC president Dana White hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the same exemption being handed to McGregor.

The 53-year-old told TSN: “He’s not [back in the USADA testing pool].

“100 per cent [there’s a chance Conor McGregor fights this year].”

He continued: “We’ll see how that [McGregor potentially getting an exemption] plays out.

“I don’t talk about s**t until s**t happens, you know what I mean?

“To sit here and think hypothetically how a million different things could happen, no idea.

“I’m focusing on what’s happening this Saturday [UFC 290], and then next Saturday.

“UFC 300 isn’t even on my mind right now.

“The Conor thing, who the hell knows how that’s gonna play out?

“Who cares what USADA says? We’ll see what happens when it happens.”

Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier two years ago.

But Mystic Mac insists he’s on course to return before year’s end, tweeting last week: “I look forward to my upcoming fight.

“I am well in preparation.”

Conor McGregor confirms long-awaited UFC return date despite MISSING drug testing deadline for Michael Chandler fight | The Sun

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois: Stream, TV channel, UK start time and undercard for huge boxing title fight

OLEKSANDR USYK is all set to put his heavyweight titles on the line against the dangerous Daniel Dubios NEXT MONTH!

Usyk, 36, was expected to have an undisputed showdown with boxing’s pound-for-pound king, Tyson Fury earlier this year.

But the heated negotiations collapsed which handed Dangerous DDD the opportunity of a lifetime.

Dubois, 25, goes into this fight off the back of a hard-fought TKO triumph over South African star Kevin Lerena.

However, Usyk’s confidence will be through the roof as not only is he 20-0 in his professional boxing career.

Usyk is the only man to have ever secured consecutive victories against British superstar Anthony Joshua.

When is Usyk vs Dubois?

Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will scrap for the heavyweight titles on Saturday, August 26.

An official start time is yet to be announced but ring-walks are expected to get underway from approximately 11pm UK time – 10pm local time.

While the undercard action is predicted to start at 7pm UK time.

Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland is the chosen venue for this mouthwatering fight and it can host around 45,105 fans.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois: Stream, TV channel, UK start time and undercard for huge boxing title fight | The Sun

Nate Diaz, 38, hits back at claims he is fighting with brain damage as ex-UFC star insists ‘I’m smarter now than ever’

NATE DIAZ has hit back at claims he is fighting with brain damage and insisted: “I’m smarter now than ever”.

Diaz is a veteran of MMA with 34 bouts but at the age of 38 he is making his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul.

And ahead of the August 5 bout, the American denied suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Diaz said on The Pat McAfee Show: “These f****** are talking about how I talk, and I’ve got f****** CTE or some s***.

“I’m like, ‘Bro, I’ve been talking this way the whole motherf****** time.’ It’s got nothing to do with getting hit or none of that.

“I’m smarter now than ever.”

CTE is a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated head trauma, including concussions and repeated blows.

It is also associated with the development of dementia and has affected fighters and NFL stars.

Diaz – who has suffered nasty cuts to the face during his career – is looking to maintain his record of having never been knocked out.

He said: “I don’t really be eating punches like they say.

“I bleed because of the forearms and elbows and s*** cut me up but like I said, I’ve been in a boxing gym and it might not look like it but I roll with a lot of these punches that anybody lands on me.

“I’m not just walking in like a meathead into punches. I’ve never been knocked out. I’ve never even really been f****** stunned stupid or nothing.”

Paul, 26, returns off the back of his first ever defeat, losing a split-decision to Tommy Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia.

And he will do so in his first-ever fight scheduled over ten rounds.

Paul said: “I’m going to make sure it’s a living hell the whole time.

“I think that he’s got a long night ahead of him. I do as well but I’m not afraid of it. I’m ready to rock and roll.”

Nate Diaz, 38, hits back at claims he is fighting with brain damage as ex-UFC star insists ‘I’m smarter now than ever’ | The Sun

K-1 is looking to expand globally, working with other organizations, KOK, GLORY, and ONE Championship

K-1 Kickboxing is expanding worldwide and is seeking to collaborate with fellow kickboxing organizations. The prestigious kickboxing institution has been locked in Japan for the last couple of years, however, this is about to change.

The Japanese-based combat sports firm, founded in 1993, used to host live events all around the globe, including the Netherlands, Australia, the USA, and many more nations. However, K-1 World Grand Prix has been exclusively performing fight cards in Japan since 2015 but is now planning to expand globally once again.

Earlier this year it was announced that K-1 World Grand Prix had bought back its international trademark. Rumors had been swirling as fans and pundits were speculating on what this could mean. But now, with the most recent news, their aim is becoming more clear.

According to a report from sportasplius.lt, K-1 is looking to do tournament events in Singapore, the Netherlands, and Lithuania. Additionally, the promotions wants to work with contemporaries in its field such as the Dutch-based GLORY Kickboxing, Lithuania’s King of Kings (KOK), and Singapore’s ONE Championship, among others. The report also adds that K-1 is aiming to work with ISKA, Shootboxing, KSW, Senshi, and RISE. The winner’s of those qualifying tournaments are supposed to meet in the finals on New Years Eve in Japan.

Legendary PRIDE FC figure Kazushi Sakuraba has been invited to assist in the organization as well. K-1 is looking to add submission grappling, as well as Mixed Martial Arts bouts. The UFC Hall of Fame athlete Sakuraba is penned to be at the helm of this new expansion. Sakuraba had previously worked with K-1’s MMA event series called ‘Hero’s’ which ran from 2005 to 2008.

During the early 2000’s K-1 also worked with other MMA organizations in its ‘Dynamite’ series, with the premise of K-1 athletes facing off against fighters from DREAM, Sengoku, and PRIDE FC. The Dynamite events hosted iconic figures such as Norifumi ‘Kid’ Yamamoto, Genki Sudo, Masato, Badr Hari, Royce Gracie, Shinsuke Nakamura, Ernesto Hoost, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, among many others. Rumors state that K-1 is looking to resurrect the ‘Dynamite’ name with major annual events.

K-1 had a marquee year in 2022 with THE MATCH, which was a collaborative event that sold out the Tokyo Dome. It was also a blockbuster on Pay-Per-View. Looking to continue its success and expand globally, K-1 Global is looking to work on collaborative efforts with other combat sports organizations.

K-1 Launches Global Expansion – Beyond Kickboxing

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