(December 9, 2010) The pulse-racing 2010 K-1 Heavyweight season comes to a climax this Friday night in a one-night, 8-man tournament that is perennially among the best events of the year in combat sports. “HDNet Fights: K-1 World GP 2010 Final” airs LIVE from the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan at 11:00 p.m. PT only on HDNet.
This event is so grueling that only seven different men have won it throughout history. The K-1 World Grand Prix is unlike any other sporting event in the world, as fighters must run a gauntlet of three fights in one night! For that task, these men need stamina, power, heart and a little bit of luck.
Semmy Schilt looks to claim his fifth K-1 crown and enters as the favorite following an impressive victory in last year’s Grand Prix. Schilt is the unstoppable force of K-1, having never lost a tournament he has entered. The 6′ 11″ giant has suffered only three losses in his illustrious K-1 career, all by decision.
Standing in his way is the emerging immovable object of K-1, Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem. Since becoming a regular in K-1 in 2009, “The Reem” has gone from special attraction to legitimate contender. The 242-pound specimen finished third in last year’s GP and has scored a pair of impressive first round knockouts this year.
Schilt and Overeem have never fought, but appear to be on a collision course for this year’s finals in an MMA vs. kickboxing showdown. The unstoppable force is poised to meet the immovable object in a battle of giants for the 2010 K-1 crown.
“Schilt vs Overeem in the final is the fight the world wants to see and would be a showdown between the two most powerful heavyweight fighters of any fight code on the planet,” said “The Voice,” Michael Schiavello. “They’re two men who have put opponents into mini-comas with their incredible knockout power. I can’t think of a more thrilling and violent match up in the world of fight sports.”
But before they meet in the finals, Schilt and Overeem will have to navigate a dangerous Grand Prix field.
The road to the finals for Schilt goes through Kyotaro in the quarterfinals. If Schilt wins, he faces the winner of the bout between legendary three-time K-1 GP champion Peter Aerts (one of only two men to hold a victory over Schilt) and American slugger Mighty Mo.
Overeem meets the emerging threat of Tyrone Spong in the first quarterfinals. If Overeem wins, his semi-final matchup would be against the winner of Gokhan Saki and Daniel Ghita.
Watch all the drama unfold, this Friday on HDNet at 11:00 p.m. PT.