#Japan #Tokyo #K-1 MAX #Jonas Salsicha #Kyoko Saito

K-1 WORLD MAX 2025: Tournament Highlights

On November 15th, the National Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo buzzed with excitement as it hosted the final round of the K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 -70kg World Championship Tournament. A remarkable event featuring fighters from around the globe, the night featured 17 matches, with 8 of them concluding in dramatic knockouts.

Tournament Summary

The main event of the evening was the -70kg championship final, where Brazil’s Jonas Salsicha triumphed over the Netherlands' Daryl Ferldonk with a knockout at 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the first round. Salsicha's victory came by way of a perfectly executed crescent kick, showcasing his prowess and skill in the ring, while also marking a significant milestone in his fighting career.

During the semifinals, Salsicha had previously dominated Jonathan Aiul from Samoa, knocking him out in just 33 seconds, while Ferldonk secured his place in the finals after knocking out Stoyan Koprivlenski from Bulgaria in the third round. Following his victory, Salsicha expressed his joyous aspirations stating, “Winning this championship has been a dream since I was a child,” and he openly declared his intention to challenge the reigning champion Ouyan Fen.

Noteworthy Matches

Aside from the tournament finals, the event included some electrifying bouts showcasing fierce competition. Rui Okubo, the reigning Flyweight champion, added another win to his record against Wu Yutong from China, achieving a knockout victory in just 1 minute and 41 seconds with a precise crescent kick. In another match, Tomoya Yokoyama faced off against veteran fighter Leona Petas, delivering a relentless offensive which led him to a 3-0 decision victory.

Three title fights were also held, including a match for the second K-1 WORLD GP Bantamweight Championship where Issei Ishii defeated challenger Eito Kurokawa by unanimous decision, becoming the new champion. In the heavyweight title match, reigning champion Roel Manat faced Brazil's Ariel Machado, who claimed a swift victory with a knockout at 3 minutes and 2 seconds of the first round.

Special Guest Round Girl Kyoko Saito

In a unique twist, the event also spotlighted Kyoko Saito, celebrated for her stunning physique and recognized as the Gravure of the Year 2024, making her debut as a special round girl. In an exclusive interview, Saito shared insights about her hand-crafted costume, designed to highlight her figure with an accent on the K-1 colors. She expressed her hopes of integrating into the K-1 family and contributing to future events.

Upcoming Events

Fans eager for more action can anticipate the next K-1 WORLD GP event set for February 8, 2026, alongside a variety of viewing options for event replays available on platforms like ABEMA and the K-1 official YouTube channel. For those who missed out, be sure to catch the highlights through these mediums and stay tuned for ticket releases as the anticipation builds for upcoming matchups.

The K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 event solidified its reputation for high-stakes combat, with fighters competing for glory, while promising an exhilarating lineup for future bouts.