Rui Okubo failed to make the 55kg limit at Friday’s official weigh-ins, resulting in the cancellation of his K-1 WORLD GP super bantamweight title fight against reigning champion Akihiro Kaneko at K-1 WORLD GP 2026 –90 KG World Tournament, which takes place Sunday at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 2 in Tokyo.
Okubo came in 1.3 kg over the contracted weight. Under K-1’s newly enforced weight-miss regulations, the bout will proceed as a non-title fight with strict conditions. Okubo will start the fight with a two-point deduction, forfeit 30% of his purse, and only Kaneko will be eligible for an official win. If Okubo wins by knockout or decision, the result will be ruled a no-contest. Whether Okubo has to use 10-ounce gloves instead of 8-ounce gloves will be up to the champion.
Despite the circumstances, Kaneko agreed to proceed with the bout, ensuring the matchup remains on the card, albeit without the championship on the line.
