Following the departures of Taito Gunji and Masashi Kumura, another prominent fighter has left K-1. The promotion announced earlier today, “As of May 9, 2025, the contract between K-1 and Toma Kuroda has been concluded by mutual agreement.”
This represents another setback for the Japanese promotion, which has a reputation for strict and exclusive contracts, as the trend of athletes leaving continues unabated.
The 24-year-old Kuroda, who held the Bantamweight (-53 kg) championship, has vacated his title, seeking more significant challenges. He has frequently expressed his discontent with K-1 on social media, stating, “There are no strong fighters in the K-1 bantamweight division, so I think I`ll go join another organization.”
Last month, it was announced that Kuroda is set to compete in SPACE ONE x BOM — a collaborative event between China’s professional kickboxing promotion SPACE ONE and Japan’s Muay Thai promotion The Battle of Muay Thai (BOM). The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 11.
Ranked No. 5 in the Beyond Kickboxing Rankings, Kuroda remains a top talent in his weight class. His long-term destination is unconfirmed, but a move to promotions like RISE or ONE Championship seems probable.
Jack Thornley 
Oliver Croft