Eight familiar faces and eight international newcomers will look to make their name in Japan this September. Joining current K-1 Super Welterweight champion Ouyang Feng, 2024 tournament winner Stoyan Koprivlenski, and Nepalese knockout machine Abiral Ghimire is a stacked lineup of elite 70 kg fighters from across the globe.
Representing Germany, undefeated 19 year old Albijon Morina brings his explosive knockout power to Japan, with a career record of 19-0 and 13 fights ending by knockout.
Representing the United States, Mason Strodtman sports a 16-3 record and remains undefeated at 3-0 in the professional ranks. He made waves earlier this year, storming through the Husky Fat Promotions 8-man tournament with three knockouts in a single night to earn his ticket to Japan.
Starring for Senegal will be Alfousseynou Kamara, a stylish savate competitor with a record of 33-5, including 18 knockouts; his twin brother Alassane is also a deadly combat athlete currently competing in MMA.
Denis Tapu has already tasted tournament success back home in his native Moldova. Now the 26 year old seeks pastures new, as he looks to improve his 16-3 record under the bright lights of Tokyo.
Southpaw buzzsaw Salimkhan Ibragimov only knows one speed when he enters the ring, and that is full throttle. A two weight champion fighting in Russia, Ibragimov has a record of 33-7-1 and holds a win over GLORY veteran Bruno Gazani.
'The Monster of the South Seas' Jonathan Aiulu will fly the flag for Samoa in Tokyo as he brings his 33-7-1 record to the K-1 arena. A veteran of both WLF and Kunlun Fight, the Samoan slugger will be looking for another solid performance in the far east.
Standing at 6'2", and with a record of 22-1-1, is Aymeric Lazizi. The French giant's stabbing kicks and huge frame will be a cause for concern for anyone in the tournament; much like fellow Frenchman Jerome Le Banner, he will look to make a huge impression under the K-1 banner.
The surprise inclusion of the opening round is Kyrgyzstan's Nurtilek Zhalynbekov. A 16 fight veteran in MMA, he will be making his debut in kickboxing on the biggest stage of them all.
Finally, returning to K-1 for the first time in four years is former 70 kg champion Minoru Kimura. The Brazilian's devastating power has seen 29 of his 36 career wins end inside the distance, with Abiral Ghimire and Hiromi Wajima being two of his previous victims.
The opening round of the K-1 World MAX 70 kg Tournament takes place on September 7th live from Yoyogi 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo Japan.
