K-1 delivered a thrilling event upon its return to Fukuoka, Japan.
The Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall hosted an electrifying K-1 event last weekend, featuring eighteen captivating bouts. The card showcased a blend of elite contenders, reigning champions, and promising new talent, highlighted by the much-anticipated comeback of Roel Manaart after a five-year hiatus.
Although K-1`s cruiserweight and openweight divisions have been active, the heavyweight championship, last defended by Manaart, had been inactive but not vacant.
Manaart, showing signs of ring rust, nonetheless dominated from the outset, relentlessly attacking the smaller K-Jee. K-Jee, now with seven losses in his last eight appearances, struggled against Manaart`s persistent calf kicks. Despite initial resilience, K-Jee succumbed to multiple knockdowns and was stopped in the second round.
Immediately after Manaart`s victory, Ariel Machado, experiencing a career revival since his move to heavyweight, stepped into the ring to challenge the newly returned champion for the upcoming K-1 event. Machado himself had just secured a calf-kick knockout win over Rio Richardson.
SAHO Successfully Defends Title
Another significant K-1 title defense featured the reigning Women`s Flyweight (-52 kg) champion SAHO against former ONE title challenger Lara Fernandez.
SAHO, known for her aggressive style, found it challenging to close the distance against the taller Fernandez, leading to a less thrilling contest. However, SAHO landed a precise right straight in the second round, securing a crucial knockdown. This proved decisive, earning her a clear decision victory and her first successful title defense.
Despite the win, SAHO expressed dissatisfaction with her performance, stating, “I am far from satisfied. Spectators expect finishes from me, and that’s paramount. Failing to deliver diminishes the belt`s prestige, and I cannot accept that.”
During the post-fight press conference, K-1 producer Mitsuru Miyata hinted at a potential cross-promotion with RISE, aiming to pit SAHO against RISE champion Tessa de Kom.
Top Contenders Secure Victories
In the MAX division, Kacper Muszyński and Zhora Akopyan both achieved stoppage victories against formidable opponents, solidifying their positions as leading contenders for the upcoming September tournament.
Muszyński emerges as a top favorite, second only to the current champion, assuming he remains in the 70-kilogram division. His physique suggests weight management could be difficult, and his team has already indicated a desire to move to a higher weight class.
Featherweight (-57.5 kg) champion Takumi Terada swiftly defeated Angelos Kaponis. He cornered the Greek fighter, unleashing a powerful overhand right and a subsequent left hook, leading the referee to halt the bout in the very first round.
Post-fight, Terada declared his ambition to move up and challenge K-1 Super Featherweight (-60 kg) champion Rémi Parra. He stated, “As the reigning champion, I was displeased with my semi-main event placement, but I believe I showcased my true capabilities tonight. There are no worthy opponents left for me here, so I am calling out K-1 Super Featherweight champion Rémi Parra. I am the sole fighter capable of defeating him; let`s make this fight a reality.”
Oliver Croft 
Jack Thornley