In a clash of former K-1 champions, Rukiya Anpo faced off against Sina Karimian in a 6x2-minute boxing bout. Typically competing at 70 kg these days, Anpo tipped the scales at 81.15 kg, while Karimian weighed in at a hefty 97.75 kg.
Despite what many assumed would be an insurmountable weight difference, Anpo showed no signs of struggle. He landed clean shots at will, leaving Karimian swinging at thin air for much of their twelve minutes in the ring. The former cruiserweight champion grew visibly frustrated, resorting to taunting Anpo while continuing to absorb punches. Karimian appeared unimpressed by the power of his lighter opponent but could do little to turn the tide.
The final round saw chaos erupt when Anpo threw a spinning back fist, followed moments later by Karimian's own spinning back fist. The referee attempted to pause the fight but got caught in the melee, inadvertently taking hits from both fighters.
All judges scored the bout 60-54 in favor of Anpo.
TAIO ASAHISA VS. YURA
Taio Asahisa and YURA delivered a late entry for fight of the year, closing out the year in spectacular fashion. The former K-1 champion, Asahisa, knocked down the RISE fighter with a precise step-in right hand early in the fight, but YURA quickly responded with a knockdown of his own. YURA landed the cleaner shots in the opening round, leaving Asahisa bleeding heavily from his nose.
In the second round, Asahisa shifted gears, increasing his pace and trading heavily in the pocket, where he got the better of YURA. His trademark front kick to the face landed repeatedly, keeping YURA on the defensive. The final round followed a similar pattern, with Asahisa maintaining control until he landed a perfectly placed toe kick to YURA's midsection, folding him in half and sealing the unanimous decision victory.
