The first twelve participants of the upcoming K-1 Max tournament, the initial elimination round of which will be held on March 20, have been announced.
Current K-1 Super Welterweight (-70 KG) champion Ouyang Feng, former K-1 titlist Hiromi Wajima, former GLORY Lightweight kingpin Davit Kiria, and current Krush Super Welterweight champion Jordann Pikeur will be among the more well-known names to be included.
The inclusion of one-time GLORY Lightweight title challenger, Stoyan Koprivlenski, also further confirms the temporary disbandment of the promotions Lightweight division.
These aside, standout talents from the Russian kickboxing scene Zhora Akopyan and Vasili Semenov will likewise be included, with Pascal Schroth, Darryl Verdonk, Umar Semata, Taras Hnatchuk, and Dengue Silva rounding out brackets.
The remaining four participants of the tournament will be announced on February 20. Although no names have been outright confirmed, Krush producer Mitsuru Miyata and K-1 advisor Kazuyoshi Ishii have mentioned Kaito Ono and Masaaki Noiri as two possible entries, while also mentioning an unnamed Thai fighter will most likely be included as well.
As previously announced, several K-1 champions will defend their belts at the event, with a series of 'K-1 vs. RISE' and 'K-1 vs. The World' themed title and non-title bouts also currently scheduled to take place. Broadcast information hasn't yet been released, although Michael Schiavello recently teased the possibility of an English commentated stream during a K-1 Battlecast episode.
