Tag: K-1

K-1’s Carlos Kikuta Blasts ONE Championship: Is Chatri Sityodtong Mismanaging Millions?

K 1s Carlos Kikuta Blasts ONE Championship Is Chatri Sityodtong Mismanaging MillionsThe simmering tensions between Japan’s resurgent K-1 and Singapore-based ONE Championship have boiled over, with K-1 leader Carlos Kikuta…

K 1s Carlos Kikuta Blasts ONE Championship Is Chatri Sityodtong Mismanaging Millions

The simmering tensions between Japan’s resurgent K-1 and Singapore-based ONE Championship have boiled over, with K-1 leader Carlos Kikuta taking direct aim at ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong’s management. In a scathing statement, Kikuta raised questions about ONE’s financial practices and its sustainability.

K-1 Slams ONE Championship and Chatri Sityodtong

“Let’s be serious,” Kikuta said in a statement translated from Japanese regarding ONE Championship and Chatri Sityodtong, “ONE has raised more than $500 million in total from GIC, Temasek Holdings, Heliconia Capital, Mission Holdings, Sequoia Capital’s Indian and US funds, and Vulcan Capital, an investment company owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, among others, and raised another $50 million from the Qatar Investment Authority in October of this year. In other words, it has used up the more than 750 million yen it has raised so far and raised another 60 million yen. So, does ONE have a good manager or not?”

Carlos Kikuta Chatri Sityodtong

Kikuta’s remarks come as K-1 continues its rebirth under his administration, capitalizing on its storied history in Japan. Meanwhile, ONE Championship has been creating great quality events in Thailand and Tokyo. The two organizations are staring each other down with wins and losses on both sides.

ONE Championship vs. K-1 World GP

Chatri Sityodtong has positioned itself as Asia’s answer to the UFC but has faced scrutiny over its finances. The organization has raised over half a billion dollars in investment capital from high-profile entities, which was what Carlos Kikuta is citing. Various reports suggest that ONE has suffered significant losses. However, these statements have been largely rejected as false by ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Nevertheless, ONE recently booked the highly anticipated Takeru Segawa vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon in Tokyo for March, right in K-1’s backyard. This is one of the biggest fights of the generation, the best of kickboxing facing the best of Muay Thai. Additionally, many K-1 fighters have left the organization to compete in ONE Championship.

Carlos Kikuta

Carlos Kikuta took over as K-1 producer in July 2023 and has extensive experience in the combat sports world, including stints with GLORY the UFC, and K-1 in its early 2000s heyday. K-1’s strategy includes a significant international expansion in 2024. The promotion aims to hold nationwide tournaments in countries like Brazil, the Netherlands, the USA, and China, culminating in a year-end championship in Tokyo.

The rivalry between these two organizations may signal a broader shift in the combat sports landscape. For fans and fighters alike, the stakes have never been higher. Both companies are seeking to dominate the striking sports market with Japan on the line.

Alistair Overeem: Body Transformation Timeline – From Overeem to Ubereem – Infographic

Alistair Overeem Eras Timeline Alistair Overeem NowThe body of Alistair Overeem has been the subject of much discussion and awe. His very fantastic body has…

Alistair Overeem Eras Timeline Alistair Overeem Now

The body of Alistair Overeem has been the subject of much discussion and awe. His very fantastic body has gone through various eras; from Overeem, to Ubereem, to Alistair Overeem now as Vegetareem. We’ve created a timeline of eras outlining the before and after of ‘The Dutch Demolition Man.’

Alistair Overeem – Body Transformation Timeline Infographic

Alistair Overeem before and after Alistair Overeem Now

Alistair Overeem Before and After

Overeem – 2000 – 2007

It all began with a young Overeem competing in PRIDE FC’s 205 lb division. He was a top-ranked fighter and dangerous, trading with fighters such as Chuck Liddell, Vitor Belfort, and Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. With a skilled guillotine or sharp knees, he was giving top fighters issues.

Overeem 2007

Ubereem – 2010 – 2011

Overeem decided to move up to heavyweight and put on an incredible physique. He bulked up and won titles in K-1 and Dream, powering through the competition with the strength of horse meat coursing through his Dutch veins. He also competed in Strikeforce and earned a victory against the former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

Overeem 2010 Ubereem

Econoreem – 2012 – 2021

While competing in the UFC, heightened levels of testosterone and a suspension forced a slight change to his physique. Now, he was less focused on powering through his opponents but instead used his cardio. He competed for the UFC heavyweight title and nearly won it during this time.

overeem 2016

Oldereem – 2021 – 2022

After leaving the UFC, Overeem ventured into kickboxing to defeat his long-time rival Badr Hari. Originally, he earned a unanimous decision victory but was overturned to a No Contest as he tested positive for a banned substance.

Overeem 2022

Alistair Overeem Now: Vegetareem – 2023 – Current Day

Now in retirement, Overeem is showing a much leaner physique. His focus now includes developing new health-related projects. The horse meat is long gone. He has stated that he made this change as part of a broader focus on health and wellness following his retirement from competitive fighting. Overeem mentioned that he no longer has the desire to eat meat and believes that it negatively affects his health.

Alistair Overeem Now
Alistair Overeem Now

How I defeated Buakaw – Stoyan Koprivlenski breaks down K-1 fight

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K-1 World MAXBuakaw Banchamek took a loss against Stoyan Koprivlenski during their K-1 World MAX kickboxing bout earlier in 2024. Thailand’s…

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K-1 World MAX

Buakaw Banchamek took a loss against Stoyan Koprivlenski during their K-1 World MAX kickboxing bout earlier in 2024. Thailand’s Buakaw was looking to turn back the clock and reclaim kickboxing gold, but the Bulgarian striker Koprivlenski defeated the kickboxing and Muay Thai legend over three rounds.

‘The Sniper’ Koprivlenski sat down with K-1 to break down his matchup against Buakaw Banchamek.

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski K 1 2

Buakaw Banchamek

The Thai-born Buakaw Banchamek has achieved legendary status throughout his iconic career between kickboxing and Muay Thai. The striker changed the landscape of kickboxing in 2004 when he won the K-1 World MAX Grand Prix, and repeated this feat in 2006. Buakaw fought the best of a golden era generation and was decorated in gold.

Retirement is not something on Buakaw’s mind. He is aged 42 and made his professional debut in 1999, competing in the Stadium Muay Thai scene, in 2024 he is showing no signs of slowing down. Buakaw fought Saenchai in a legends Muay Thai match in BKFC, plus has taken bouts in Rajadamnern World Series.

Stoyan Koprivlenski

Bulgaria’s Stoyan Koprivlenski is a highly talented kickboxer. The 30-year-old is well known for being an incredibly entertaining striker and is frequently in fight-of-year matches. Being one of the top-ranked fighters in this division, he has dropped contentious split decision losses to reigning champions Tyjani Beztati and Kaito Ono. However, these close losses did not deter him. Instead, he was determined to pick up K-1 Kickboxing gold in 2024.

Buakaw vs Stoyan Koprivlenski

Buakaw Banchamek vs Stoyan Koprivlenski

Buakaw and Stoyan Koprivlenski fought in the Quarter Finals round of the K-1 World MAX 2024 – World Championship Tournament. The two strikers battled for three rounds. The Thai veteran had a great first round showing incredible speed and defense but faded with the constant pressure of ‘The Sniper’ Koprivlenski. It was quite an exciting matchup.

Ultimately, Koprivlenski would get his hand raised. Next, the Bulgarian athlete defeated Brazil’s Dengue Silva in the Semi Finals, in another barnburner of a fight. Lastly, Koprivlenski would knock out Viktor Akimov in the tournament final to take home the K-1 World MAX Championship in 2024. All three fights took place in a single evening.

Koprivlenski spoke to K-1 about his matchup, he outlined the adjustments and gameplan for the fight. The Bulgarian-born striker also explained how he grew up watching Buakaw and what a legend he is.

“[Buakaw] is my fighting hero … I grew up watching his fights,” Koprivlenski continued, “I had to be more active.” He scored a knockdown in round 2 with a head kick, and said, “I don’t think the kick was that hard but he didn’t expect it.”

See the full Stoyan Koprivlenski vs. Buakaw match breakdown below

23-Year-Old MMA Fighter Nikhil Suresh Tragically Passes Away After Suffering Kickboxing Knockout

Nikhil SureshAuthorities have launched an investigation into the tragic death of 23-year-old MMA fighter Nikhil Suresh following a brutal knockout suffered at an event in India. First reported by The Sun and accompanied by footage of the contest, Suresh can be seen taking a brutal overhand right that sent the fighter falling to the canvas. The […]

Nikhil Suresh

Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragic death of 23-year-old MMA fighter Nikhil Suresh following a brutal knockout suffered at an event in India.

First reported by The Sun and accompanied by footage of the contest, Suresh can be seen taking a brutal overhand right that sent the fighter falling to the canvas. The referee immediately called a stop to the fight as panicked spectators rushed to the ring to help the fallen fighter. Suresh was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries three days later.

Nikhil Suresh’s father lodged a complaint with local police citing negligence by the organizers of the event. Local police visited the venue, Rapid Fitness Gym in Jnanabharati, as part of the investigation.

“The spot inspection will play a vital role in proving or disproving negligence charges involving the organizers, as claimed by Nikhil’s father,” said a police source.

Nikhil Suresh, who started kickboxing two years ago, was taking part in a state-level K-1 kickboxing championship organized by the K-1 Kickboxing Association of Karnataka in India.

Nikhil Suresh’s Coach Vikram Nagaraj Pays Tribute to The Fallen Fighter

Suresh’s grief-stricken coach Vikram Nagaraj announces the tragic passing of his student and paid a beautiful tribute to the budding 23-year-old star.

“With profound sadness, I shoulder the burden of breaking the terrible news that we all dreaded. My boy Nikhil decided to hang his gloves today. His beautiful soul left us behind after a hard-fought battle in the early hours of today in spite of the best medical attention. He will be etched eternally on our hearts and memories. I am shattered beyond words by my loss. Today I have lost a son. We pray almighty to give us all enough strength to bear the unbearable. My deepest condolences.”

Suresh, who was tipped as the next big thing in India’s mixed martial arts scene, participated in the 6th Open MMA Championship in Karnataka after featuring in the 5th MMA India Nationals in Madhya Pradesh.

Bob Sapp Facing Disturbing Domestic Violence Allegations

With losses in 14 out of his last 16, former Pride FC and K-1 attraction Bob Sapp has long been light years away from true combat sports relevancy. Now, however, the hulking super heavyweight is facing disgrace of an entirely different and more concerning type, as Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun (via Bloody Elbow) has reported […]

The post Bob Sapp Facing Disturbing Domestic Violence Allegations appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

With losses in 14 out of his last 16, former Pride FC and K-1 attraction Bob Sapp has long been light years away from true combat sports relevancy.

Now, however, the hulking super heavyweight is facing disgrace of an entirely different and more concerning type, as Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun (via Bloody Elbow) has reported that Sapp recently had some incredibly concerning domestic violence allegations leveled towards him.

Apparently his girlfriend has released pictures detailing the alleged assault, and needless to say, the images aren’t for the squeamish. Check them out here:

The report said that the supposed victim was yet to be named, but had dated Sapp since 2011 and had also helped him with management of his fighting career.

The alleged attacks reportedly go back to March 2016.

Even more evidence has surfaced as well, with the following Facebook message exchange supposedly coming from Sapp to the reported victim:

Sapp was once known for taking all-time great Pride heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to the limit years ago, but has since become a punching bag of sorts who is known to tap out at the first sign of adversity.

However, that hasn’t stopped him from being at least some sort of attraction in his adopted home of Japan, with him reportedly meeting a bear in a contest of strength at a year-ending show called Kyokugen 2017 while also being rumored to be taking on retired sumo wrestler Yokozuna Asashoryu for Japan’s web TV service AbemaTV on New Year’s Eve.

No word has arrived on whether or not these allegations will affect those two appearances.

The post Bob Sapp Facing Disturbing Domestic Violence Allegations appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Bob Sapp Facing Disturbing Domestic Violence Allegations

With losses in 14 out of his last 16, former Pride FC and K-1 attraction Bob Sapp has long been light years away from true combat sports relevancy. Now, however, the hulking super heavyweight is facing disgrace of an entirely different and more concerning type, as Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun (via Bloody Elbow) has reported […]

The post Bob Sapp Facing Disturbing Domestic Violence Allegations appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

With losses in 14 out of his last 16, former Pride FC and K-1 attraction Bob Sapp has long been light years away from true combat sports relevancy.

Now, however, the hulking super heavyweight is facing disgrace of an entirely different and more concerning type, as Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun (via Bloody Elbow) has reported that Sapp recently had some incredibly concerning domestic violence allegations leveled towards him.

Apparently his girlfriend has released pictures detailing the alleged assault, and needless to say, the images aren’t for the squeamish. Check them out here:

The report said that the supposed victim was yet to be named, but had dated Sapp since 2011 and had also helped him with management of his fighting career.

The alleged attacks reportedly go back to March 2016.

Even more evidence has surfaced as well, with the following Facebook message exchange supposedly coming from Sapp to the reported victim:

Sapp was once known for taking all-time great Pride heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to the limit years ago, but has since become a punching bag of sorts who is known to tap out at the first sign of adversity.

However, that hasn’t stopped him from being at least some sort of attraction in his adopted home of Japan, with him reportedly meeting a bear in a contest of strength at a year-ending show called Kyokugen 2017 while also being rumored to be taking on retired sumo wrestler Yokozuna Asashoryu for Japan’s web TV service AbemaTV on New Year’s Eve.

No word has arrived on whether or not these allegations will affect those two appearances.

The post Bob Sapp Facing Disturbing Domestic Violence Allegations appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.