Will Mike Zambidis and Serkan Yilmaz be at the K-1 MAX qualifier in May?

[Kobayashi]

The K-1 MAX 16-man elimination event will be on May 4 (16 fighters, 8 fights, 8 winners, the 8 move on to the Grand Prix in July). Buakaw Por.Puramuk, Masato and Albert Kraus are automatically in it due to being past champions. Takayuki Kohiruimaki is in it because he won the Japan Grand Prix, and I'm sure quite a few other Japanese will be in it, such as Akeomi Nitta, Yasuhiro Kazuya, Norifumi Yamamoto, Etc. Obviously Farid Villaume and John Wayne Parr will also be in it. One would think Serkan Yilmaz and Mike Zambidis would be in it also, especially Mike Zambidis... but they're fighting in an 8-man A1 tournament in France 4 days prior! There's no way they'd be able to fight in Japan 4 days after fighting 3 tough fights with fighters like Pete Spratt, Murad Sari, Etc. So I guess this means... there'll be no Mike Zambidis in this year's Grand Prix. Strange too, because this would've been his year due to the rule change.

However, it's possible that he's come to an agreement with K-1, that if he wins the A1 tournament, he automatically qualifies for the K-1 World MAX Grand Prix Finals in July?

[Sudoraba]

I hear there are management issues because of Tarik Solak's relationship with k-1 (which I understand is bad). And Solak I think owns both Zam and Yilmaz. We know that Zam would have been fighting a superfight in the J MAX if not for his Solak commitments...

[Sudoraba]

So are you suggesting that Masato, Kraus, and Buakaw all have guranteed GP spots (in the final 8) and are fighting superfights like Masato last year, or that they just have guaranteed spots in the eliminations?

Superfights during the elimination I've noticed can have pretty wacky matchups like Akebono and Remy. Good thing there are no 155 lb sumo wrestlers. Or are there?

[Kobayashi]

Ahahaha... 155lb sumo wrestlers =P

That's why MAX is great. We never have to worry about that.

Well, "officially" I'd say Masato, Kraus and Buakaw all have spots in the eliminations. It would be extremely unfair to put them in the final 8 if they lost their elimination fight. But as you said once before, if one of them WERE to lose their elimination fight--K-1 would probably tweak some shit to get them into the final 8. But I think, what they're more likely to do, is make sure they win their elimination fight by giving them an average opponent and playing with the score cards a bit if necessary (like they did with Albert against Jadamba). I was amazed that they gave Serkan to Masato last year, that was very risky.

[Kobayashi]

By the way, Sudoraba--you got any ideas who will be paired up with who? I'm guessing they'll pair up Buakaw and Kraus with some of the lesser Japanese fighters such as Nitta, Yasuhiro, Etc. Maybe even Yamamoto? I'm very sure those 3 will get a spot in the eliminations but am also very sure they'll be placed against opponents that they can't really beat. Likewise with Jadamba and Shamil, they'll be placed against very tough opponents--such as Buakaw, Masato, Kraus, Kohiruimaki, JWP or Villaume.

And Shane Chapman should be in the mix this time since he won the Oceania MAX. Hopefully Andy Souwer will be in it too since he won the S-Cup.

Let's put it this way, I think Buakaw, Masato, Kraus, Kohiruimaki, JWP and Villaume are basically confirmed for the Grand Prix--they'll be given fairly easy opponents so their spot is guaranteed.

[( o Y o )]

Sucks about zam as the rules changes really do help him out. Solak seems to do OK as a promotor but seriously seems to lack fighter "management" skills or Zam would be on the biggest stage in the world for his weight class, and not fighting in A1.

[Sudoraba]

By the way, Sudoraba--you got any ideas who will be paired up with who? I'm guessing they'll pair up Buakaw and Kraus with some of the lesser Japanese fighters such as Nitta, Yasuhiro, Etc. Maybe even Yamamoto? I'm very sure those 3 will get a spot in the eliminations but am also very sure they'll be placed against opponents that they can't really beat. Likewise with Jadamba and Shamil, they'll be placed against very tough opponents--such as Buakaw, Masato, Kraus, Kohiruimaki, JWP or Villaume.

And Shane Chapman should be in the mix this time since he won the Oceania MAX. Hopefully Andy Souwer will be in it too since he won the S-Cup.

Let's put it this way, I think Buakaw, Masato, Kraus, Kohiruimaki, JWP and Villaume are basically confirmed for the Grand Prix--they'll be given fairly easy opponents so their spot is guaranteed.

I suppose a lot depends on how they arrange the eliminations. This is the only second year that MAX had a 16 man elimination to prelude the GP. The way HW K-1 ideally works is that if you were in last year's GP then you get a guaranteed eliminations spot and fight other invitees/regional tournament winners. They didn't do that last year, but perhaps this year we will see all of the 8 of GP fighters (though Solak's fighters now seem iffy). Presumably Masato, Kraus, and Buakaw will get easy opponents or at least relative unknowns for guranteed spots. And if done right Buakaw would be fighting a superfight as his spot is automatic.

I also hope Souwer will be in the eliminations as an eventual Masato/Souwer GP fight I've always wanted to see. And Chapman is dangerous as hell. Kraus I heard was rumored to say that Chapman kicked harder than Buakaw, and Chapman really made Souwer look bad in Shootboxing. Arslan I hope has a spot too. I wonder if there will be another Thai in the tournament besides Buakaw as that will make for an interesting stylistic mix. If the recent Buakaw/Kraus shows us anything, the fighters in MAX right now are so talented that anything can happen in a night. Look at Jadamba, the guy was an unknown and now he's suddenly a dark horse.

I wonder how JWP's documentary is going?

[Sudoraba]

Sucks about zam as the rules changes really do help him out. Solak seems to do OK as a promotor but seriously seems to lack fighter "management" skills or Zam would be on the biggest stage in the world for his weight class, and not fighting in A1.

I know, now is probably the best time for Zam to win a GP. He has many stylistic weaknesses but remember winning the GP is only about beating three specific fighters so with the luck of the draw he can manage 3 kos against people who weren't able to capitalize on knees. But if the dice rolls to run him against a guy like Buakaw then that changes...

[Kobayashi]

I suppose a lot depends on how they arrange the eliminations. This is the only second year that MAX had a 16 man elimination to prelude the GP. The way HW K-1 ideally works is that if you were in last year's GP then you get a guaranteed eliminations spot and fight other invitees/regional tournament winners. They didn't do that last year, but perhaps this year we will see all of the 8 of GP fighters (though Solak's fighters now seem iffy). Presumably Masato, Kraus, and Buakaw will get easy opponents or at least relative unknowns for guranteed spots. And if done right Buakaw would be fighting a superfight as his spot is automatic.

I also hope Souwer will be in the eliminations as an eventual Masato/Souwer GP fight I've always wanted to see. And Chapman is dangerous as hell. Kraus I heard was rumored to say that Chapman kicked harder than Buakaw, and Chapman really made Souwer look bad in Shootboxing. Arslan I hope has a spot too. I wonder if there will be another Thai in the tournament besides Buakaw as that will make for an interesting stylistic mix. If the recent Buakaw/Kraus shows us anything, the fighters in MAX right now are so talented that anything can happen in a night. Look at Jadamba, the guy was an unknown and now he's suddenly a dark horse.

I wonder how JWP's documentary is going?

Masato X Andy Souwer is one of my dream matches also.

I wouldn't be surprised if Chapman kicks harder than Buakaw, but it's an unfair comparison as Chapman probably weighs naturally 10kg more than Buakaw. But also, Kraus was younger then--he'd be more used to kicks now.

Arslan does deserve a spot due to his victory over JWP. But what about Chalmsak's KO victory over Arslan? I think if there's going to be 2 Thai reps, then Chalmsak will be the second.

I think K-1 must be really happy about this documentary, so they'll probably favour JWP a bit. They'll probably give him an easier opponents than they usually would (at least for his first match of the Grand Prix) and probably won't be so harsh with the scoring on him. It'd look really bad if JWP lost his first match again. They'll definitely want a JWP X Masato match for the documentary, I think. Which we all want, so that's great ^_^

I think it would be great if they did what you mentioned, had all the 8 particpants of 2004 to fight in the elimination fights because I think all of the fighters last year were at least A-grade, even Jadamba and Shamil gave Masato and Kraus problems. They definitely at least deserve a chance to qualify this year.

[kentaro]

Would love to see Souwer get a spot in the eliminations as the Shootboxing champ.

[Sudoraba]

Would love to see Souwer get a spot in the eliminations as the Shootboxing champ.

only problem is whether or not Ogata's comments against MAX might have a detrimental effect to MAX/Shootboxing relations...

Souwer vs JWP is another dream match of mine just for the personality matchup. You have the young Souwer who when he was 19 had a record of something like 90 wins and in technical terms is probably the most well rounded Dutch stylists in the field. Arrogant, think's he's the best (a theme in MAX btw)

Then you have the grizzled JWP who has a wife and child, a long career that goes back to the hard Thai fighting style who worked his way up with sweat and blood fighting the legends of the sport to finally get in MAX which he should have probably have been in since the beginning. Takes shit from no one. (Kozo I also get that similar personality from)

The ultimate match between the uppity genius fighter young punk and the experienced seen it all veteran. Also stylistically they are probably the two most well rounded fighters. Souwer is a classic Dutch idea of what a well rounded figher should be. And JWP has that full Thai skill set plus proboxing hands...


Now keep in mind these aren't actual assessments of the sort of people they are, cause I heard they're all nice people. But K-1 MAX is a character driven promotion in many ways...

[Sudoraba]

Masato X Andy Souwer is one of my dream matches also.


I think on Ironlife there was someone who posted last year something about Souwer saying that he can beat Masato. Which as a match up this is a very close fight. I think this matchup will happen eventually at least. At the time, Souwer was considered a heavy underdog because people only knew him from getting TKOed by Kraus. But since then he's been steamrolling with a very impressive win set and of course style wise he fights like a mini white Ernesto Hoost.

The only possible thing though is that Souwer might have that "can't do well in MAX" curse that affects a lot of transfers like Matsumoto. Matsumoto outside of MAX does impressively and is near the top in Thai stadiums, in MAX he's beat down. Souwer had a bad debut against Kraus and his win against Murahama didn't look too good. But you can't deny that he's on fire outside of MAX, so i dunno... maybe it's the color of the ring?

[Lord Gaul]

I suppose a lot depends on how they arrange the eliminations. This is the only second year that MAX had a 16 man elimination to prelude the GP. The way HW K-1 ideally works is that if you were in last year's GP then you get a guaranteed eliminations spot and fight other invitees/regional tournament winners. They didn't do that last year, but perhaps this year we will see all of the 8 of GP fighters (though Solak's fighters now seem iffy). Presumably Masato, Kraus, and Buakaw will get easy opponents or at least relative unknowns for guranteed spots. And if done right Buakaw would be fighting a superfight as his spot is automatic.

I also hope Souwer will be in the eliminations as an eventual Masato/Souwer GP fight I've always wanted to see. And Chapman is dangerous as hell. Kraus I heard was rumored to say that Chapman kicked harder than Buakaw, and Chapman really made Souwer look bad in Shootboxing. Arslan I hope has a spot too. I wonder if there will be another Thai in the tournament besides Buakaw as that will make for an interesting stylistic mix. If the recent Buakaw/Kraus shows us anything, the fighters in MAX right now are so talented that anything can happen in a night. Look at Jadamba, the guy was an unknown and now he's suddenly a dark horse.

I wonder how JWP's documentary is going?

I am glad that Chapman is in. I heard he was trying to get in for a few years know and I hope he makes a splash in the tournament. I expect him to go far but I don't think he will win it all.

And isn't Souwer Aert's protege, if so I like him alot and I expect him to do well, unless he meets Krause.

[Lord Gaul]

Also I want Mike in it cause I too thought it was his year. Regardless, Max doesn't dissapoint to provide us with great cards. I have no doubt that most of us will be pleased by who makes the final 8.

[depechemode]

there are alot of fighters that I would like to see in the 16 man tournament
I would like to see Masato vs. Arslan and not an easy opponent for Masato
BTW I miss Serkan, he should fight again on K-1 rules and it doesnt matter who he's opponent is,this guy makes it so entertaining.
I wish that JWP win this years tournament,

Zam,Serkan,Farid,Arslan,Ole - I think these are the fighters that could change everything on a final night

I need also to mention that I want to see Kamal El Amrani very soon,for me he is the best around

[Sudoraba]

I am glad that Chapman is in. I heard he was trying to get in for a few years know and I hope he makes a splash in the tournament. I expect him to go far but I don't think he will win it all.

And isn't Souwer Aert's protege, if so I like him alot and I expect him to do well, unless he meets Krause.

Souwer has always been trained by John De Ling from Ling Ho gym. Kraus used to train with him there but moved on.

Kraus however has trained with Peter Aerts according to the K-1 MAX 2002 GP promos and judging from the background it seemed like they trained in Thailand together at some point.

[Kamatari]

And Shane Chapman should be in the mix this time since he won the Oceania MAX.
To be honest, he hasn't looked that hot recently. Maybe 2005 will be different, but he'd have to go through weightcontrol hell once again and I now fully understand if he decides not to go through with it. Love how some say that it's easy to cut that extra 2 Kg not understanding that some have the hardest time doing so or just simply can't. Age and all that take its toll.

[( o Y o )]

SportsBlitz



"Iron" Mike Zambidis will be fighting in Japan on the 4th May to qualify for the K-1 World Max 05.

He's opponent has not been named as yet, but will notify all as soon as it comes to hand.

Hope to see JWP fight in Japan aswell and hopefully he gets to fight the Worlds pound for pound kickboxing Champion "Iron" Mike Zambidis

[Kobayashi]

I read that also and I'm sure he must be incorrect... Zambidis can't fight 4 fights in 4 days.

Kamatari, I agree. Chapman looked very average against his Russian opponent at X-Plosion. I rate his chances of winning the Grand Prix very low, he might not even make it past the eliminations (if he ends up fighting in them).

[Sudoraba]

I read that also and I'm sure he must be incorrect... Zambidis can't fight 4 fights in 4 days.


Well to put it in a little perspective. A-1 rules are international rules leg kicks. Which means that leg kicks but no knees. And you will rarely see Zambidis hit by anything except knees (his kryptonite if anything). So under A-1 rules he doesn't stand to take nearly as much damage so he won't be too worse for the wear compared to fighting K-1 MAX a few times then A-1.

Secondly Zambidis' fights are on average short KO rapings. So that works on his side.

Not to say that all will happen but he has a good chance of working through it. A-1 also has a talent pool that Zambidis can easily run through...

[Kobayashi]

Well, I'm sure you saw the last A1 event. He couldn't finish his last two opponents, and Pete Spratt was kicking the shit out of him and even knocked him down with a right straight in round 1. There's a fair chance that he'll meet Pete Spratt again, so he's bound to take some damage. I don't know how tough his French opponent is, but if Zambidis gets to the finals (he will) he's very likely to face Serkan Yilmaz--who I can guarantee will do damage to Zambidis. Back-kicks and spin-kicks will be super effective against Zambidis due to his height. He will be sore at the end of the night, I guarantee it.

HOWEVER, perhaps he'll face a C-grade Japanese fighter at the qualifier, in which case he'll still win despite injuries.

[AKA]

Thats crazy if Yilmaz isnt in the MAx this year!!!
Thats more crazy if Zambo really decide to do the 2 event! (something is wong here!)
Maybe they promised to him a Japanese average fighter for the elimination bout????

BTW with or without Zambo it will be the best K1 max ever!!!
Masato, Kraus, Buawak, Kohi, Vuillaume, JWP , Kid and maybe Zambo!! Damn :)

[Sudoraba]

Well, I'm sure you saw the last A1 event. He couldn't finish his last two opponents, and Pete Spratt was kicking the shit out of him and even knocked him down with a right straight in round 1. There's a fair chance that he'll meet Pete Spratt again, so he's bound to take some damage. I don't know how tough his French opponent is, but if Zambidis gets to the finals (he will) he's very likely to face Serkan Yilmaz--who I can guarantee will do damage to Zambidis. Back-kicks and spin-kicks will be super effective against Zambidis due to his height. He will be sore at the end of the night, I guarantee it.

HOWEVER, perhaps he'll face a C-grade Japanese fighter at the qualifier, in which case he'll still win despite injuries.

True the A-1 crowd is impressive, but did anyone not think Zambidis was going to win the tourney? That is a difference between Zam fighting a MAX tourney and A-1 at least IMO. That doesn't mean he will have an easy time but I'm just suggesting that he probably finds it an easier risk to take.

[Kobayashi]

Good point...

With MAX we're on the edge of our seats at all times because any of the 8 can take it. With A-1... 99% chance it will be Zambidis so it's a little/a lot less exciting. Still good fights though. I'm sure A-1 will start getting even more competitive fighters, perhaps some from Superleague and whatnot. Sari and Yilmaz is a good start, I think.

[Sudoraba]

Good point...

With MAX we're on the edge of our seats at all times because any of the 8 can take it. With A-1... 99% chance it will be Zambidis so it's a little/a lot less exciting. Still good fights though. I'm sure A-1 will start getting even more competitive fighters, perhaps some from Superleague and whatnot. Sari and Yilmaz is a good start, I think.

On one hand kickboxing rules annoy me. But on the other, this is where we see Serkan and Zambidis shine! If those two have weaknesses it's with knees and here we can see them lay on all their stuff with nothing holding them back!

They have some talented stars though. Besides the two obvious ones, Headhunter and Spratt are awesome as well as many others. Australian kickboxing is just melting with talent and the Oceania MAX tournament of 2002 is still one of the top MAX events ever. I think Spratt could be the next US MAX rep, which would be ironic because that would mean him and Ludwig trading weight classes.

Those white gloves look strangely oversized to me too...

[Kobayashi]

!!

Never thought of Spratt in K-1 MAX! He'd have to drop about 10kg, but WOW... that'd be great. He has done what no K-1 MAX fighter has done and that is knock down Zambidis with a punch, HOWEVER... after losing against a C-grade opponent when he last came down to Australia, I don't think MAX will really want him =(

As for A1... I heard a rumour that knees are now legal in it? Kickboxing rules also annoy me. But if this rumour is true, I'm very excited. Spratt would have a much better chance against Zambidis if there were knees allowed.