Armenian Muay Thai fighter Drago, 24, achieved a surprising victory over two-time World Max Japan Champion Yoshihiro Sato in the main event at tonight’s K-1 World Max 2009 World Championship Tournament Final-16. The event was held at the Fukuoka Marine Messe arena and featured the World Max Final-16 Tournament, a one-match elimination that halved the field fighting for this year’s World Max Championship. The world’s top 70kg/154lb fighters knew that a win would set them on the road to glory, while a loss would end their journey. For these warriors, it was do or die.
Drago faced Sato, the heavy favorite with a 10cm/4″ height advantage, who initially used his reach and low kicks to keep Drago at bay. However, Drago managed to land a right overhand and an uppercut, keeping the score even after the first round. In the second round, Sato continued his aggressive approach, but Drago responded with front kicks and a high kick. Despite Sato’s low kicks and a knee, the score remained tied. The third round saw Drago landing solid hooks, but Sato’s combinations lacked power. The judges called for a tiebreaker round.
In the fourth and final round, Drago relentlessly advanced with various strikes, including a right straight punch and a spinning back kick. A fatigued and bloodied Sato could only muster weak knees and low kicks before collapsing at the final bell, aware that the judges’ decision would favor Drago. This impressive performance established Drago as a favorite for the World Max 2009 Championship.
“I am glad that I showed a good fight and won in front of my Japanese fans,” said Drago afterward. “Sato was strong, but he got tired in the middle of the fight. I will keep training hard and aim to become the champion.”
A dejected Sato expressed his regret: “I lost my stamina, and it felt like my hands became lead. I received a lot of punches, but my condition was good before the fight, so I don’t want to make any excuses.”
Holzken vs. Chahid
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken faced 20-year-old Moroccan Muay Thai fighter Chahid in the penultimate matchup. Both fighters traded powerful low kicks and punches in the first round, with Holzken landing a left counter to take a points lead into the third round. Despite a broken toe sustained in training, Holzken won by majority decision. “I was not very happy because I broke my toe three weeks before the fight and couldn’t perform my best,” said Holzken. “My counters were good, but I couldn’t finish with the KO I wanted.”
Souwer vs. Kaestner
Two-time World Max Champion Andy Souwer took on compatriot Leroy Kaestner, a protégé of K-1 superstar Peter Aerts. Souwer scored two knockdowns in the first round and secured a comfortable unanimous decision victory. “Even though Kaestner has little experience in professional fights, he did very well,” said Souwer. “It was good that I put him down early, so I could calm down in the second and third rounds.”
Buakaw vs. Dida
Thai fighter Buakaw Por Pramuk faced Brazilian MMA fighter Andre Dida. Despite a shaky start after a big left hook from Dida, Buakaw recovered and dominated the later rounds with kicks, knees, and punches, winning by unanimous decision. “After the down, my stamina carried me through,” said Buakaw. “Dida had good techniques, but not quite good enough!”
Kraus vs. Nagashima
Dutch boxer Albert Kraus knocked out Yuichiro “Jienotsu” Nagashima in just 1:07. “I was in good condition and I’m glad to win,” said Kraus. “I think I taught him that a fighter needs to respect his opponent.”
Lim vs. Yamamoto
Japanese karate stylist Yuya Yamamoto defeated Chi Bin Lim of the Republic of Korea in a spirited battle, winning on all three judges’ cards. “I think he’s a great fighter,” said Yamamoto. “I will do my best in the final eight!”
Lima vs. Kyshenko
Rising World Max fighter Artur Kyshenko from Ukraine defeated Alviar Lima of Cape Verdi by TKO in the first round. “This was a very important fight for me, and I felt a lot of pressure,” said Kyshenko. “I need to proceed step-by-step and make my fights memorable.”
Askerov vs. Petrosyan
Italian Muay Thai fighter Giorgio Petrosyan won by TKO against Dzhabar “Chengiskhan” Askerov, dropping him with a knee to the midsection. “My opponent was strong, but I am happy I could win,” said Petrosyan. “I believe I am the strongest of them all!”
Final-16 Reserve Fight
Yasuhiro Kido of Japan won a narrow decision over Korean Su Hwan Lee in the Final-16 reserve fight. Today’s winners will advance to the K-1 World Max Final-8 in July at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.
Exhibition Bout
Reigning World Max Champion Masato fought a three-minute exhibition bout against 17-year-old Hiroya, the 2008 K-1 Koshien Champion.