K-1 and team-grappling promotion QUINTET have signed a new international broadcasting deal with popular sports streaming platform, DAZN, to be live-streamed in over 200 countries and regions, including Japan.
M-1 Sports Media K.K. and Rabarland, Inc., the companies that are respectively responsible for the promotions, recently signed an alliance with the goal of global expansion. Previously only available through Japanese streaming television, ABEMA, the promotion hopes to now gather global attention with the backing of a strong media partner such as DAZN. The world's largest sports streaming platform hit over 15 million paying customers earlier this year and continuously looks to expand its already strong offering with new combat sports.
The collaboration kicks off with live streaming of their inaugural joint event, 'ReBOOT,' to be held at Yokohama Arena on September 10.
As previously announced, the event will feature an Openweight Grand Prix hosting representatives of different partner promotions. The event will be headlined by the K-1 Super Bantamweight title fight between reigning champion Akihiro Kaneko and Masashi Kumura, with a total of 15-16 fights planned.
DAZN Japan Vice President, Shimon Hoizumi was excited to guide Japanese martial arts back to global relevance:
"We are very excited to be able to deliver K-1, the best striking martial arts in Japan, and QUINTET, which was created by Japanese MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba, to the world through DAZN. DAZN has been home to many world-class MMA and boxing matches. Adding K-1 and QUINTET to our lineups will enable us to create opportunities for global sports fans to watch and become fans of Japanese-born martial arts. We are thrilled to be a part of K-1 and QUINTET’s global growth".
K-1 Producer, Carlos Kikuta, who was seen on social media touring through America and Europe to secure broadcasting deals, had the following to say:
"I deeply appreciate DAZN for becoming our global media partner. As we announced our plans for global expansion, K-1 is aiming to go global from Japan. I have no doubt being on DAZN platforms will push our initiatives forward very strongly. Not only events in Japan will be streamed to the world, but also Japanese fans can enjoy our events outside of Japan. Please stay tuned for our accelerated expansion to the world".
K-1 GYM EXPANSION
Additionally, the K-1 GYM brand will start global expansion to Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Switzerland, Seoul, Taiwan, Bangkok, and Singapore. Aside from people who want to work in public relations, sales, management, and production, the promotion will also look to recruit gym chairmen and trainers. Applications can be made here.
