The pairings were decided using a system that combines choice and chance. One after the other, in an order determined by a random selection of numbered balls, the fighters could place themselves in any available position on the tournament schedule.

Armenian fighter Drago, who scored an upset victory over Japanese fighter Yoshihiro Sato in last night’s Main Event; fittingly drew today’s first choice. He elected to install himself in the “A” spot, red corner in the first fight.

Selecting second was Artur Kyshenko. The Ukrainian muay thai stylist avoided Drago, settling instead into the “E” slot, red corner in the third bout. And he stood there and waited for a long time.

Third up was Giorgo Petrosyan of Italy, who stayed away from both Drago and Kyshenko, taking the “C” spot, red corner in the second fight.

Fourth up was Yuya Yamamoto. Faced with a choice of either an open pairing or committing to one of Drago, Kyshenko or Petrosyan, the Japanese fighter smiled and strode up to claim the spot beside Drago. “K-1 was born in Japan, even if I’m the only Japanese here,” he explained. “I want to show my soul, and get revenge for Sato!”

Drago appeared amused. “He wants revenge? That’s a nice comment, I’m glad he thinks that he’ll get revenge. But I won’t let him do that, it won’t happen! Now that I know my opponent, I’ll train hard to make it to the final four!”

Next up was Nieky “The Natural” Holtzken of Holland, who did not make a date with either Petrosyan or Kyshenko, heading instead to the “G” position, red corner in the fourth bout.

There was no way for Albert Kraus to avoid committing — he had to pick one of Petrosyan, Kyshenko, or Holtzken. The Dutch boxer went to the second fight and Petrosyan. “It was difficult to choose between the three, but I wanted to go up early,” said Kraus, “so I can watch the others fight afterward, see who I’ll meet in the final!”

Said Petrosyan: “These are all strong fighters, in the final eight, but even if Kraus is very strong I will still beat him.”

The possibilities were Kyshenko and Holtzken Thai fighter Buakaw Por Pramuk had to choose. After a little fake toward Kyshenko, the muay thai master moved to Holtzken. “I picked Nieky because we’ve fought before, so he’s my friend!” smiled Buakaw.

“He beat me last time,” conceded Holtzken, “but I’m glad he picked me. Last time I was hurt, so I was about 70%. This time I feel good, I will take him and I will go for the title!”

To complete the card, Souwer had no choice but Kyshenko. “This is the right place for me,” said Souwer, “I’m excited to be on the road to the championship.”

Kyshenko: “There’s not a lot to say, but of course I will train very hard for this one!”

The K-1 World Max World Championship Tournament Final-8 will be held at the historic Nippon Budokan in central Tokyo on July 13, with the four winners advancing to the World Max Final, where semifinals and a final will crown this year’s World Max Champion. Visit the K-1 Official Website (www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp) for the tournament tree, as well as comprehensive information on past and future K-1 events.

By

Monty DiPietro
K-1 International Publicist