K-1 World MAX 2006 Finals Card! (Kohi Vs Masato)

[Shiruba]

Superfights

Yodsanklai Fairtex Vs. Kamal El Amrani
TATSUJI Vs. Yasuhito Shirasu
Kozo Takeda Vs. TBA

GP fights

Andy Souwer Vs. Virgil Kalakoda
Masato Vs. Takayuki Kohiruimaki

Buakaw Por.Pramuk Vs. Yoshihiro Sato
Albert Kraus Vs. Gago Drago

Reserve fight

Rayen Simson Vs. Artur Kyshenko

[( o Y o )]

http://ca1n.c.yimg.jp/sports/sn2006051823595900037735m/sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/pict/200605/im00037735.jpg

[( o Y o )]

Just to be clear

GP A Block:

Masato vs. Takayuki Kohiruimaki
Andy Souwer vs. Virgil Kalakoda

GP B Block:

Albert Kraus vs. Gago Drago
Buakaw Por Pramuk vs. Yoshihiro Sato




So we have a Japanese in the second round....a brilliant rematch for Masato vs Kohi.

The winner getting the most rest, and a fight against either last years champ or Virgil (hopefully the latter mate).

Buakaw getting a MT fighter first up and the least amount of rest......not to mention in all likelyhood, someone that has beaten him before in the second round if he gets past sato.

Very tough fights for all in the openers. I wouldn`t mind betting masato has already mentally won the first figh though as I doubt Kohi is overly confident........remember after the Elims Kohi specifically said he did NOT want to fight a japanese fighter first.

[danvari]

I really look forward to Yodsanklai Vs. Kamal. Yodsanklai is a great fighter that has really impressed me and Kamal is an entertaining fighter (though I haven't really seen him fight in quite a while).

[depechemode]

its good to see Kamal fighting for K-1 even if its a superfight ,
I think my boy Gago will have a very hard way to be the champ this year

[depechemode]

by the way I think its a brilliant poll for Andy to defend his title

[Jofeljoh!]

WOw great superfight... Yodsanklai vs El Amrani should be a fun fight. Curious if Yodsanklai kan make the switch from pure muay thai to K-1. El Amrani should have no problems with that.

Any info about Artur Kyshenko? Don't know him... don't know if that's a good sign or not, but my feeling is that Simson has a good chance in winning...

and for the TBA: WE WANT JWP!

[Tommy_Arashikage]

Let's pray for no injuries this year, people!

[Charuto]

Virgil needs to take out Souwer as quickly as possible. There must not be a risk that the first repeat champ sports a lower back tattoo.

[K1power]

Virgil needs to take out Souwer as quickly as possible. There must not be a risk that the first repeat champ sports a lower back tattoo.
LOL!

[Matasorapit]

Nice card, I like how Masato and Kohi are going head to head in their first match. Souwer and Virgil could be interesting, I like Virgils style and guts and Souwer is a great fighter. Buakao and Sato, nice, I like Sato but Buakao has been on fire in and outside of K1 for the past 6 months and looking better than ever. Kraus and Drago, I gotta go with Kraus but anyones fight.

Personally at this point I feel that Buakao may take it again but I would like nothing more than to see the final between Virgil and Sato (personalised choice, both are really good guys).

The main interest I have is Yodsanklai and Kamal. K1 style would suit Kamal very well and its about time he is in the area. But I thought he was used to fighting a few kgs up from the 70 mark. Yodsanklai is a machine, smart and young and I am sure will rip a hole through K1 max. He is a smart fighter and a rare fighter to watch with the full arsenal and great timing. Oh and power unlike most K1 Max fighters. I would have liked to see JWP and Yodsanklai go at it again, and under Max rules would draw a strong crowd as the first fight was closer than many critics believe.
I do not get the justice of having two "new to k1" fighters going up against each other. Its not the best way to add an introduction and Yodsanklai against Kozo would have been a better show.

[Gigi]

yodsenklai finally in max!!!!i think he ll do just fine in max,he s a hard puncher and kicker and i guess he ll adopt to 3 rounds also fine.yodsenklai by tko

[Razor Bump]

I swear the K-1 gods listen to me.... lol

Kamal El Amrani x Yodsanklai..... WOW! I remember they used to argue with me about his weight and him not being able to make it.....

The only thing left is to put Kozo x Amara!

Oops did I say Amara...... JOHN WAYNE PARR!!!!!!

[Razor Bump]

Charuto..... way to funny right there.

Look at how disgusted Kohi and Masato look next to each other.... it's going to be a war for the ages!

This tournament has me excited, because there are no favorites that you can truly say will just take the tournament. Virgil by Balrog punches!

[( o Y o )]

http://www.so-net.ne.jp/feg/report/20060518r.html

http://ca1n.c.yimg.jp/sports/sn2006051823595500037731m/sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/pict/200605/im00037731.jpg
http://ca1n.c.yimg.jp/sports/sn2006051823595500037732m/sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/pict/200605/im00037732.jpg
http://ca1n.c.yimg.jp/sports/sn2006051900030700037733m/sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/pict/200605/im00037733.jpg
http://ca1n.c.yimg.jp/sports/sn2006051823595600037734m/sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/pict/200605/im00037734.jpg

[Razor Bump]

Tommy I have to disagree with you about the injuries..... I would like to see Ryaen Simson in the mix!!!

[derUbermensch]

This is the best MAX card of all time

[Mago]

If there's no John Wayne Parr then it's no fun... :( :( :( I'm seriously annoyed by the sheer lack of respect K1 shows to their fighters... JWP not only should be there as a main participant (if he ever got his place in the semis as he DESERVED, and was brutally denied), but at the very least should get the reserve fight - it would still be possible for him to be in the GP after all. Now all we are left is to wonder and wish he'll get a meaningless superfight agaisnt Takeda, the only match up still not announced.

Of course this would be a (nother) great fight, but under the circunstances, would surely leave a bad taste on any JWP fan and himself certainly, he deserved so much more... The worst thing is, I dont even believe theyll give it to JWP because not only they have appearently "forgot" about him, the fact their first fight was not so long ago would very likely make it a questionable match-up in business terms.

[Kobayashi]

Yodsanklai Fairtex Vs. Kamal El Amrani, wow... where'd that come from. Very excited about this, I think Yodsanklai will show how overrated El Amrani is and hopefully everyone can get over him coming to MAX.

I'm HOPING Masato meets Buakaw in the finals to avenge his loss, however, I'm quite sure Sato will beat Buakaw and meet Masato in the finals.

So far only JWP himself has taken me up on my bet. It very much still stands--Masato-doubters, please read my signature.

[Toffa]

Masato been plucking his eyebrows?

Great matchups, Souwer could very easily lose in the first round which is not good for me since I picked him to defend his title. Unfortunately JWP vs Takeda sounds unlikely since they have already fought, hope to see him again in Max soon though.

WAR Souwer!

[The Ronin]

does anyone have the comments of Masato and Kohi?

[yauji]

Andybody could tell me more on the Ukraine fighter Artur Kyshenko ?

I would like to have his completed profile and pictures. Thanks. :)


I only know he is the champion of K-1 max Eastern Europe 2006 which was held on March 13.

He KO all 3 opponents that night !

KO Egidijus Brandišauskas at 2:20 R1 in quarter fight
TKO Jurij Bulat at 1:16 R3 in semi final fight
KO Marius Bužinskas at 1:42 R1 in final fight

[Matasorapit]

Kobayashi still pimping Masato. LOL

In regards to Masato and Kohi, it could be a good fight but I think that Masato it too smart for Kohi. I will not count Kohi out cos I like his style but Masato is the most technical fighter Japan has produced in K1 and maybe one of the best world wide. I am interested in seeing how he is doing as I have not been able to see him fight since last years Max GP.

In regards to JWP, I also think he should be in there. Thats a sad side of the promotional areas involved with K1. JWP still has some superfight stuff on offer but I think they dont put him in the mix cos they are frightened he would win!!!!

[Kobayashi]

Yep, still pimpin' the man. I think it's safe to say that I have more confidence in Masato's skills than anyone on this board has in their respective favorite fighter. As for being the best technical fighter Japan has produced... well, I'd say he's the most technical kickboxer full stop. Masato's technique was sharper than Mr Perfect at his prime when Masato was about 21 years old.

As for Kohiruimaki, you can never count him out, you never know who'll show up. Either way, fighting him in the quarterfinals is the worst place to fight him. Seems to me like Kohiruimaki never really looks past the quarterfinals, he'll aim to win that and then if he loses in the semis, he's not too fussed (in the World Grand Prix's, that is). Not only that, but whoever beats him is bound to leave the ring with some sore thighs which certainly won't help Masato in the finals if he faces Sato. I think my theory about him not looking past the quarterfinals will hold especially true against Masato, as beating him is just as good as winning a GP anyway. I think Kohiruimaki will be quite a threat on the night.

As for the other fights, I really have no idea who is going to win 'cept Kraus, who I think is definitely a class or two above Drago. You'd have to be crazy to ever give Souwer or Puramuk less than a 50% chance of winning any fight--their records are proof of this. However, Kalakoda's style is absolutely anti-Souwer--likewise, Sato's style is absolutely anti-Puramuk. Best GP ever, guaranteed.

Still waiting on bets!

[The Ronin]

That's true but Souwer beat Kohi in the 05 Max in the Quarterfinals.

[The Ronin]

I would bet but I think Masato is going to win too!

[Kobayashi]

That's true but Souwer beat Kohi in the 05 Max in the Quarterfinals.

True, but word is that he was pretty seriously injured--and judging from his performance, I'd say he definitely was. Souwer was very, very, very lucky throughout that entire tournament, I felt. Definitely the least impressive GP win thus far.

[Kobayashi]

I would bet but I think Masato is going to win too!

Seriously, I'll pay $100USD if ANYONE aside from Masato wins the GP, that's a 7-1 chance >.< I guess everyone knows that Masato has more chance at winning the GP than everyone combined, that's why I've only got 1 bet thus far. Love or hate Masato, we all know he's the best K-1 fighter the world has ever seen =P

(hoping to piss someone off with my statements so that people will bet with me out of anger)

[Lord Gaul]

I wanted them in and here they are. Yodsanklai vs El Amrani is a match up of guys that I have been pushing for K-1 for a long time. Especially in the case of El Amrani who I think could have been in a long time ago. I guess beter late then never. I am excite for both guys and I hope it is a great fight.

[Ookami Shippou]

I want Masato to win. But I want to put $$$ on the dark horses: Gago, Sato, Virgil. Is it possible to bet only $10 per fighter on a site?

Anybody got more info for online betting? I'm interested in making some cash by putting $$$ on dark horse

[Ookami Shippou]

Btw, does anybody have info about Y.Fairtex?

[Sudoraba]

Masato's technique was sharper than Mr Perfect at his prime when Masato was about 21 years old.


No.

A prime Hoost was able to KO an opponent in any fashion that he wished. He could knock you out with head punches, body shots, low kicks, knees, or high kicks. Hoost was in command of every single weapons available in K-1, with the acception of perhaps a true Thai style clinch. Even then Hoost's technique and versatility still beat out most of MAX fighters. And until Masato matches that kind of versatility I still don't think he matches Mr Perfect for the title of Mr Perfect.

[Razor Bump]

Koboyashi...... that's a bet baby! No P.M. let's make it official in the open. I've got a yard he will not win. I think it will.... well..... I dont know who will win. I just dont think he will win with his vicious bracket. He will be banged up. Sato or Por Pramuk have the best chance. Both Muay Thai specialist who will work a slow paced technical war against each other (epic classic). Then facing guys who are shorter and less versed in the style will help either one of them.

On that note..... VIRGIL!!! Whup some Ass!

[Sudoraba]

Yodsanklai Fairtex Vs. Kamal El Amrani, wow... where'd that come from. Very excited about this, I think Yodsanklai will show how overrated El Amrani is and hopefully everyone can get over him coming to MAX.


I dunno I thought everyone was already off of El Amrani's bandwagon since he lost to Hlkady. And later Lima (not to mention the second Choppa fight). If anything though I think in some ways he's almost underrated now as a result. And his persistent "spinning back kick KO chance" makes any one of his fights a risky bet. Still I take Fairtex on this.

As far as being in MAX, it is still very difficult to make the transition from MAX opening fighter to one of their main GP names. Much like how JCS and Villaume fought one fight for MAX and were never invited again. I hope that doesn't happen with either fighters.

[Kobayashi]

Koboyashi...... that's a bet baby! No P.M. let's make it official in the open. I've got a yard he will not win. I think it will.... well..... I dont know who will win. I just dont think he will win with his vicious bracket. He will be banged up. Sato or Por Pramuk have the best chance. Both Muay Thai specialist who will work a slow paced technical war against each other (epic classic). Then facing guys who are shorter and less versed in the style will help either one of them.

On that note..... VIRGIL!!! Whup some Ass!

Fantastic, mate--we're on =)

How much you wanna place on it? If it's cool with ( o Y o ), we can both send our payments to him before the event, and he can send both payments to the winner after the event.

[Kobayashi]

No.

A prime Hoost was able to KO an opponent in any fashion that he wished. He could knock you out with head punches, body shots, low kicks, knees, or high kicks. Hoost was in command of every single weapons available in K-1, with the acception of perhaps a true Thai style clinch. Even then Hoost's technique and versatility still beat out most of MAX fighters. And until Masato matches that kind of versatility I still don't think he matches Mr Perfect for the title of Mr Perfect.

Yep, Hoost was indeed extremely well-rounded and capable of winning with any technique in his prime. However, that's not what I was comparing when I say Masato is the king of technique. To me, technique is form, as in text book straights and hooks, text book Thai kicks, etc. Hoost's form definitely doesn't compare to Masato's, even in his prime. For example, when Hoost throws a punch or a kick, often his opposite hand will likely end up at his chest--whereas with Masato, basically every strike he throws will be as sharp as if he were striking a pad or a bag--absolutely perfect form. Let me know if you disagree and we can refer to some pictures.

[( o Y o )]

How much you wanna place on it? If it's cool with ( o Y o ), we can both send our payments to him before the event, and he can send both payments to the winner after the event.

No problems with me....as long as I don`t get hit paypal fees for doing so. lol

Masato clearly has the skills to take this. The one reason I would not bet against him myself, and while I am not trying to predict any funny busines AND realise Kraus has had more help in the past than masato, I really have to think TBS are going to be pushing for a japanese to win this harder than ever before after having a relatively unknown Thai (for the MAX cowd, and at the time) win it two years back, and then another unknown Dutch fighter win it last year. If I remember correctly, ratings and ticket sales this year have slightly fallen.

Of course I will cheer for Virgil and Sato (same town) to meet in the finals, but I will be happy with any one of the 8 taking it if they earn it themself.

[Dado]

Yodsanklai Fairtex Vs. Kamal El Amrani, wow... where'd that come from. Very excited about this, I think Yodsanklai will show how overrated El Amrani is and hopefully everyone can get over him coming to MAX.

Exactly. Yodsanklai will rip Amrani apart.

And Sato will be a tough fight for Buakaw. Even if he wins he will likely have had a difficult fight.

Kohi vs Masato will be great a real Japanese grudge match!

And I hope for Virgil to beat Souwer! He has a chance as Souwer's comes forward and prefers to punch and we all know Virgil will have the edge here.

[Kobayashi]

No problems with me....as long as I don`t get hit paypal fees for doing so. lol

Cheers, mate! As for paypal fees, just deduct the amount from what you send back to the winner if that's possible =)

[El Presidente]

Virgil all the way.

[Kobayashi]

No.

A prime Hoost was able to KO an opponent in any fashion that he wished. He could knock you out with head punches, body shots, low kicks, knees, or high kicks. Hoost was in command of every single weapons available in K-1, with the acception of perhaps a true Thai style clinch. Even then Hoost's technique and versatility still beat out most of MAX fighters. And until Masato matches that kind of versatility I still don't think he matches Mr Perfect for the title of Mr Perfect.

As mentioned in the above post, I think you have mistaken technique with being well-rounded (at least by my definition). I say with great confidence, no one in the K-1 world has superior technique to Masato--that includes punches and kicks. I'd go as far as saying that Masato's technique in the ring is superior to Hoost's technique on the pads. Here's a small example of what I mean, look at Masato's hand placement in the photos. Perfect.

[The Ronin]

Masato is impresive, thanks for those collection of pictures Kobayashi:)

[Dado]

Kobayashi, while I agree that Masato is world class I dont believe that showing a bunch of pictures with his hands by his head show his superiority. I wont compare him to Hoost who is a legend in his own right as everyone is different in the way they fight.

I judge a fighters ablity on their technique but also on the effectiveness of their technique and a bunch of pictures with Masato holding his hands by his head doesent make him out to be perfect. In the following pictures you can clearly see him with his hands down but there is more to defense than a high guard (althout that is very useful) sometimes timing, reflexes and judging the opponents movements are just as important.

http://www.prokarateweekly.com/images/Masato%20Lim.JPG

http://www.so-net.ne.jp/feg/k-1gp/images/060204/photo10b.jpg

http://www.combatmania.com/articoli/k1dynamite2006/masato.jpg

Do these pictures prove that Masato has no defense ability? No not really and likewise I think your collection do little to prove it also (although we all know he does have fantastic defense).

I could do the same for any other fighter but what matters in the end is their effectiveness and the successfull execution of not just their techniques but also movements in ring, reflexes and a good ability to judge the actions of their opponent.

[Kobayashi]

That's the odd thing, mate. When Masato throws his right hand, even on the pads/bag--he'll drop that left hand. It's a flaw he's had since the beginning and a flaw that has never changed throughout his career (part of me feels that he doesn't even want to, considering how easily correctable it is). I've actually brought that up several times in the past. Everything else, however, is perfect 90% of the time (the same can't be said about any other K-1 fighter). I've seen Aerts and Hoost doing padwork and fail to keep their opposite hand up while throwing a punch/kick time after time--and anyone who has at least sparred knows that it's 100 times easier to have perfect technique on pads than it is in the ring. As for reflexes and ring movement, while I wouldn't really put them in the technique category--I feel Masato once again reigns supreme, although Buakaw's reflexes are certainly up there--his ring movement surely isn't.

By the way, not for argument's sake--just for my own personal interest, could you do a collage of another fighter (as you mentioned) throwing his techniques perfectly like Masato does? I'd really appreciate it. Making the Masato one was so easy since most strikes he throws are done perfectly, but I honestly think doing the same with Kraus, Buakaw, Hoost or Aerts would take hours as they all have pretty sloppy hand placement in the ring. Souwer is definitely 2nd place to Masato in terms of technique, in my opinion.

By the way, I realise I do make a lot of bold comments regarding Masato, but they are comments I wholeheartedly believe. I believe all of the following:

-Masato is the best boxer in K-1
-Masato is the fastest fighter in K-1
-Masato has the best reflexes in K-1
-Masato has the best defense in K-1
-Masato has the best left hook in K-1
-Masato has the best ring movement/agility in K-1

As bold as they are, I don't think I'm being unrealistic, as I would be if I said things like:

-Masato has the best kicks in K-1 (currently Buakaw, possibly Sato as well)
-Masato is the most powerful fighter in K-1 (MAX - Zambidis, HW - LeBanner)

And um... yeah. Masato's the best ever.

[urdum]

And um... yeah. Masato's the best ever.


You realy do want to piss of people now dont you. If so you are doing a great job. Maybe I will bet with you that MASATO HOPEFULLY LOSES BY AN EXTREME HIGHKICK to his head. :D I REALY HOPE SO

[urdum]

You realy do want to piss of people now dont you. If so you are doing a great job. Maybe I will bet with you that MASATO HOPEFULLY LOSES BY AN EXTREME HIGHKICK to his head. :D I REALY HOPE SO

But there is a big possibility for Masato taking the GP. So Ill wait a couple of days before i place a bet

OYO or another Moderator. I posted twice. Im sorry could you change that one to 1 post. Thnx

[virgil]

The only problem I forsee at the moment is when I meet Masato in the semi's if it goes the distance I doubt very much I'll get a decision after I maul him.lol

We all know his great omn the offense,but what about when his being forcedback.As for me I can take a licking and I just keep on ticking?

Kobayashi your boy is mine...mine I tell ya. LMAO?

[depechemode]

well I think that Gago will surprise us all and I am awaiting from him to take the title this year

abaout Masato : he is good and good but we dont need to talk about him like a legend he is far away to be a legend and Buakaw showed us how good he is on their fight

[TheDude]

If the paycheck wasnt enough, I hope Kobayashis posts have motivated you even more to knock Masatos head off, Virgil.


Kobayashi: Masato is a great fighter, no doubt about it. But every time you go on praising him like he is the Second Coming, I get this image in my mind of the Masato/Buakaw-fight, and the shock on Masatos face when he realizes that the "teep kick" really exists.

[Jofeljoh!]

Lol, indeed, does Masato in the mean time has e superior defense for teeps?

[Matasorapit]

I actually love how much support that Kobayashi is showing for Masato. He should be his publicist LOL. Seriously, I love the sport (K1, Thai Boxing and conventional boxing) and I am a big fan of not just the sports, events and fighters. But I am a fan of anyone who whole heartedly supports a fighter with Kobayashi's type of integrity, its beautiful to see.
I am the same with fighters, JWP for example, I would back him up if he were fighting King Kong and not just in the ring. If JWP was drunk and drove his car into a tree, I would be standing up in court as a witness the next day trying to tell the judge "I saw that tree pull out of nowhere".

[derUbermensch]

The only problem I forsee at the moment is when I meet Masato in the semi's if it goes the distance I doubt very much I'll get a decision after I maul him.lol

We all know his great omn the offense,but what about when his being forcedback.As for me I can take a licking and I just keep on ticking?

Kobayashi your boy is mine...mine I tell ya. LMAO?

you best plow souwer!

[The Ronin]

The only problem I forsee at the moment is when I meet Masato in the semi's if it goes the distance I doubt very much I'll get a decision after I maul him.lol

We all know his great omn the offense,but what about when his being forcedback.As for me I can take a licking and I just keep on ticking?

Kobayashi your boy is mine...mine I tell ya. LMAO?


Well Masato is very good at "hit and run tactics." He can avoid being hit with his awesome speed and ring movement while he is hitting you in the face and racking up the points:) That's just my opinion:) I wish all fighters in this tournamenet good luck^^

[Kobayashi]

The only problem I forsee at the moment is when I meet Masato in the semi's if it goes the distance I doubt very much I'll get a decision after I maul him.lol

We all know his great omn the offense,but what about when his being forcedback.As for me I can take a licking and I just keep on ticking?

Kobayashi your boy is mine...mine I tell ya. LMAO?

Oh, boy... I'd love to see you and Masato go at it. Just not at in the semis (or quarterfinals) of a tournament, because if you win--you'll be going to the finals in a wheel chair--and if he wins, he'll be going to the finals with his eyes swolen shut and a rather sore liver, I presume. Virgil, you better lose to Souwer ;-)

[Kobayashi]

But there is a big possibility for Masato taking the GP. So Ill wait a couple of days before i place a bet

OYO or another Moderator. I posted twice. Im sorry could you change that one to 1 post. Thnx

I'd really appreciate it if you do, mate. Please consider the bet =) The odds are great, we have 7 A+ fighters against my single A+ fighter. Anything can happen and the odds are in your favour. This could be an easy $50-$100USD in your pocket. Besides, let's say I lose to you, Razor and JWP--that's $300 out of my pocket and I'm sure many of you would receive great pleasure out of my misfortune =P It'd surely shut me up about Masato for a while, wouldn't it? That's even better than the $100USD.

[Kobayashi]

Well Masato is very good at "hit and run tactics." He can avoid being hit with his awesome speed and ring movement while he is hitting you in the face and racking up the points:) That's just my opinion:) I wish all fighters in this tournamenet good luck^^

Aye, if anyone's style is anti-Kalakoda, it's definitely Masato's. However, if anyone's style is anti-Souwer, it's Kalakoda's.

[Kobayashi]

I actually love how much support that Kobayashi is showing for Masato. He should be his publicist LOL. Seriously, I love the sport (K1, Thai Boxing and conventional boxing) and I am a big fan of not just the sports, events and fighters. But I am a fan of anyone who whole heartedly supports a fighter with Kobayashi's type of integrity, its beautiful to see.
I am the same with fighters, JWP for example, I would back him up if he were fighting King Kong and not just in the ring. If JWP was drunk and drove his car into a tree, I would be standing up in court as a witness the next day trying to tell the judge "I saw that tree pull out of nowhere".

Appreciated, bro. I'm like you, I love to see someone stand by their favorite fighter at all times--provided it's genuine. Anyone can make threads (eg, Zambidis-fans) like "ZAMBIDIS GONNA WIN BY KO!!!!!!!11111111 AHHH DIE SEX KO!!!!!!11 RAGGGH". But I bet they wouldn't place a dime on it--they like to say it, but they know it's not true 90% of the time. They're just being patriotic and pathetic. Every single claim I make about Masato, I'd back up with money any day of the week. Many people like to say: "Masato's not this, Masato's not that" and yet they're not even willing to bet a 7-1 bet against him. Makes me wonder how genuine their posts are... a fighter must be pretty darn awesome if he has more chance at winning a GP than the other 7 fighters combined and so far the only people that truly disagree with that are Razor and JWP. I respect anyone who puts their money where their mouth is.

Interesting to note: None of the Masato-haters have made the bet with me. Razor and JWP both give plenty of credit and respect to the man, yet they're too realistic to believe that he can win with 7-1 odds. Gee, I'm not gonna be able to enjoy taking money off these two respectable men... 'cept maybe JWP... and Razor ;-)

[The Ronin]

Aye, if anyone's style is anti-Kalakoda, it's definitely Masato's. However, if anyone's style is anti-Souwer, it's Kalakoda's.

agreed:)

[Toffa]

Seriously, I'll pay $100USD if ANYONE aside from Masato wins the GP, that's a 7-1 chance >.< I guess everyone knows that Masato has more chance at winning the GP than everyone combined, that's why I've only got 1 bet thus far. Love or hate Masato, we all know he's the best K-1 fighter the world has ever seen =P

(hoping to piss someone off with my statements so that people will bet with me out of anger)

I'm sure you would get more bets if the fights were to take place outside of Japan under another organisation. Its the same as betting against Musashi, you may very well expect the other fighter to win, but you just can't bet against Musashi and his hometown decisions...

This is a good time to clarify our bet, would you be willing to pick Masato against everyone else? And if Souwer wins, you cant mention Masato's name or anything about him for a month? You can choose your terms if Masato wins.

[derUbermensch]

I'm sure you would get more bets if the fights were to take place outside of Japan under another organisation. Its the same as betting against Musashi, you may very well expect the other fighter to win, but you just can't bet against Musashi and his hometown decisions...

You've been here how long? Why would you say this when you know Kobayashi is going to drill you on how many more 'gifts' Kraus gets than Masato?

[Toffa]

You've been here how long? Why would you say this when you know Kobayashi is going to drill you on how many more 'gifts' Kraus gets than Masato?

Well that argument really is irrelevant, Kraus may get gift decisions but that doesn't have anything to do with the fact that Masato has as well. I think he'll argue that Masato has never been given a gift, he has dominated every match he has ever fought, including the ones he has lost, and one of Masato's punches should score more than all the hits scored by the other fighter throughout the match.

[Kobayashi]

You've been here how long? Why would you say this when you know Kobayashi is going to drill you on how many more 'gifts' Kraus gets than Masato?

Haha, credit to that one.

[Kobayashi]

Well that argument really is irrelevant, Kraus may get gift decisions but that doesn't have anything to do with the fact that Masato has as well. I think he'll argue that Masato has never been given a gift, he has dominated every match he has ever fought, including the ones he has lost, and one of Masato's punches should score more than all the hits scored by the other fighter throughout the match.

Nope, Masato's only gift EVER in his entire career was against Buakaw--and justice was served 3 minutes later anyway. Masato has won the rest of his matches convincingly. Care to give an example of another 'gift' he's been given?

And the argument of Kraus receiving far more help from judges isn't irrelevant, because he's one of the 7 people against Masato on the night. If anyone's going to get gifts on the night it's Kraus. Saying Masato's going to get help when he's only ever received help once in his career is quite ignorant. Masato could've easily been given a draw against Kraus #1 and a win against Kraus #2. He didn't though, so I think it's unfair to say he's received all this help from judges in the past.

[Kobayashi]

This is a good time to clarify our bet, would you be willing to pick Masato against everyone else? And if Souwer wins, you cant mention Masato's name or anything about him for a month? You can choose your terms if Masato wins.

If Souwer wins, I won't mention Masato on this boards for the rest of my life. How's that sound? I can't say Masato and I can't mention anything related to Masato. I'm so confident because I believe Souwer has nothing superior to Masato, and therefore, has no hope of beating Masato--I'm already doubting he'll get past Virgil. By the way, probably best you copy and paste this in to a word document so that if I am wrong--you can make a total fool of me. I'd deserve that.

I can't think of any terms for Masato winning yet, but I'll think of something by June 30 =)

[derUbermensch]

Christ, Kobayashi just oozes confidence. I'll admit, I'm way to afraid to take a bet.

[Matasorapit]

Nope, Masato's only gift EVER in his entire career..... Care to give an example of another 'gift' he's been given?


You are brother, his publicist....

If Souwer wins, I won't mention Masato on this boards for the rest of my life.
And I am gonna buy some spandex pants in tiger stripes with a big Texan belt buckel.

It is true to an extent in regards to home crowd hero's but thats not just K1, its in most sports, K1 needs to adapt and incorperate International judges (age old argument, I know). Here is another thing to consider, Japanese favorites like Masato, Souwer, Kraus and Bob Sapp make the K1 alot of money and are very marketable in Japan. The more marketable they are he more money they pull in, the more recognition K1 gets and hopefully the more money for the victor of the events and the fighters participating. Kind of a round robin of back and fourth argument but I can see a little reason, I dont agree with alot of it but I can see it.

[Toffa]

Nope, Masato's only gift EVER in his entire career was against Buakaw--and justice was served 3 minutes later anyway. Masato has won the rest of his matches convincingly. Care to give an example of another 'gift' he's been given?

And the argument of Kraus receiving far more help from judges isn't irrelevant, because he's one of the 7 people against Masato on the night. If anyone's going to get gifts on the night it's Kraus. Saying Masato's going to get help when he's only ever received help once in his career is quite ignorant. Masato could've easily been given a draw against Kraus #1 and a win against Kraus #2. He didn't though, so I think it's unfair to say he's received all this help from judges in the past.

Well at least you admitted that Masato has been given a gift, which was exactly what I was saying. I won't mention these as gifts, but the Zambidis fights were extremely close and could have possibly gone the other way, but lets not get into those again. Given how blatant his gift against Buakaw was it has to be unsettling for anyone betting against Masato. I'm not saying that Masato has been the only one receiving gifts nor the most gifts, but it has happened.

[TheDude]

Yeah, what troubles me too, is how obvious and shameless the "gift" was. And Masato doesnt need them. He is propably the favorite going into this tournament as it is, so the way I see it, Masato is perhaps the one that the "gifts" are screwing the most.

So I am not willing to "put my money where my keyboard is", but I am looking forward to Buakaw putting his foot where Masatos mouth is.

[Dado]

Lets not forget K-1 actually acted on it, which could either mean that they have cleared the issue or just that the judging was so blatant that they had to cover it up.

[Sudoraba]

As mentioned in the above post, I think you have mistaken technique with being well-rounded (at least by my definition). I say with great confidence, no one in the K-1 world has superior technique to Masato--that includes punches and kicks. I'd go as far as saying that Masato's technique in the ring is superior to Hoost's technique on the pads. Here's a small example of what I mean, look at Masato's hand placement in the photos. Perfect.

Well as Zan said, photomontages are inherently misleading. Besides there is much more to technique besides hand placement.

For example say in Masato's right straight, he has a habit of dropping that left hand. But the left hand placement isn't the main issue as far as that punch being technical in the textbook sense. Masato's shoulders and waist are usually not fully committed when he throws it, which from a technical standpoint is the biggest issue. This is a type of thing that results when you throw the right straight while pushing off the back foot without much of a pivot on that foot. The lack of the pivot keeps the shoulders from fully committing to the punch while at the same time creating a more noticeable lunging effect when he throws it. This can be seen in how he usually takes an extra step with the left to readjust after throwing the straight. Hoost generally has a sharper right from that standpoint with more shoulder and hip commitment.

And for kicks. Masato does make his work. But from a technical standpoint, especially a Muay Thai standpoint, there are still issues. By the way the hand placement is usually good just to mention. But for one thing Masato's legkicks and body kicks are usually 45 degree style kicks without much hip turnover. The lack of hip turnover usually results in a shorter range for the kick, which is one of the reasons why Masato almost always impacts with his foot instead of his shin. Which while we're talking about technique is another issue, since ideally you want to hit with your shin (less injuries). Hoost's legkicks irreguardless of hand placement usually has the hip turnover just fine, and he's made a career out of being known for hittting the same part in an opponent's leg repeatly on the same part with his shin.

While you have to stretch more to see the issue with the leg kicks, this is much more obvious with Masato's body kicks and head kicks. Especially with the 45 degree impact instead of the hip turnover. Masato rarely is a high kicker of course, but this does point out the problems with lack of hip commitment when throwing a body kick. The impact is at an angle to the body instead of directly perpendicular, which is preferable in textbook Muay Thai. Which is why Buakaw and Samkor kick with that different sort of impact when you see them kick. Hoost's body kick isn't used much either, but you can readily see the difference in his head kick, which was used a lot, at least in his prime. Admittedly though Hoost can on the situation though revert to a more 45 degree style kick.

As far as that goes though its kind of a result of a throwback that is the common point between Japanese and Dutch Kickboxing. Which is that besides the Muay Thai, both styles have a strong Karate ancestry as well, with the Dutch style generally being more Thai and Western Boxing however. You can see this in other Japanese fighters like Kohiruimaki and Sato and how they throw their low kicks. And Muay Dutch's Karate connection is easily seen in most of their traning videos, where Japanese counting and Osu! is readily heard.

Anyway I'm not going to go through every single technique. But I will make a point about being technical vs being well rounded. Which while they are different, they are not neccessarily exclusive. For example to say that Hoost is more well rounded technically implies that his level of technique applies to a wider range of weapons. So when you say Masato is more technical do you mean just in the universe of the strikes that he prefers to throw most often?

Then of course you have a logical problem, I mean what stops you from saying that a fighter that only uses the left hook (a perfect left hook however) is more techical than a fighter that a fighter that has a generally high level with every single punch and kick, though none are admittedly as polished as that one left hook, but still pretty up there anyway. Even if that one singular weapon in a sparse arsenal is all they have they are still "more technical"? You can see why that doesn't make much sense. When you say one fighter is more "technical" than another you mean that one fighter's total technique fighter summated through the individual technique level of all their weapons. And that technique level encompasses more than just hand placement (which to be fair i know you use just for easy illustration), it includes the essential mechanics by which that technique is thrown.

In that sense I still consider Hoost to be more technical. I am not in anyway dogging Masato's technique, Masato is with a doubt one of the bests, easily. But whereas Masato has always been near the top of K-1 MAX atheltically in terms of power and speed, Hoost has made a career of being a fighter in K-1 that was usually physically outgunned. In many ways the prime Hoost was a bulked up middeweight and he never had the power of say Lebanner or the explosiveness of Aerts. But he made a repuation of winning on technique and skill in many ways relying on it. And through those wins he showed a superlative proficiency in winning fights through almost every method attainable available in K-1.

He indeed is Mr Almost Perfect, I suppose he'd be Perfect if he just had that one extra nudge of Masato's hand placement. Of course everything is argueable, but if there was an all K-1 award for best technique from a career standpoint, I have no doubt in my mind that that would be Hoost's award.

[Kobayashi]

Fantastic post! This is really the kind of things I'd love to see more to rebut my claims. Rather than "You're a nuthugger, nothing you say about Masato is credible", etc--you come and hit me with nothing but in depth facts, and to be honest, I can't say I disagreed with much of what you said at all. Very nice. I'm glad you understood though that I was only using hand placement as an example because it's easy to show through pics, whereas hip torque and pushing off the rear leg, etc--is extremely hard to show through pics. However, in that instance, I don't really like to compare fighters as it's in this regard that fighters are able to tweak the technique to a way that suits them most, for example, some fighters like to plant their foot when they kick, some like to pivot, some prefer a 45 degree angle, some prefer the full 180, some prefer to follow through completely, some prefer to follow through half way (hand placement isn't nearly as tweakable). Total technique aside, I'm curious as to whether or not you'd agree that Masato's hand placement is the best you've seen in K-1?

[mugen67]

Well at least you admitted that Masato has been given a gift, which was exactly what I was saying. I won't mention these as gifts, but the Zambidis fights were extremely close and could have possibly gone the other way, but lets not get into those again.


FightS? I can understand the first fight, but the rematch? There are people that think Zambidis won that? Then again, some people were saying he should have got the decision vs. Buakaw so who knows when it comes to Zambidis fans...


On the other hand, I'm a fan of Masato, I've always liked the way he fights, but some of you guys on here take it too far.... it's almost like you guys try to bring the amount of people hating on the guy to an alltime high....

[virgil]

I'm happy that nobody is really picking me to advance.Everyone's so focused on a BPP,Masato final or the Souwer,Masato semi.I'm telling you all today I'm a man on a mission come 30June.

[Dado]

I think youve proved yourself to be a genuine threat and Ill be very interested in how you do! You got my support for sure!

[Sudoraba]

Fantastic post! This is really the kind of things I'd love to see more to rebut my claims. Rather than "You're a nuthugger, nothing you say about Masato is credible", etc--you come and hit me with nothing but in depth facts, and to be honest, I can't say I disagreed with much of what you said at all. Very nice. I'm glad you understood though that I was only using hand placement as an example because it's easy to show through pics, whereas hip torque and pushing off the rear leg, etc--is extremely hard to show through pics. However, in that instance, I don't really like to compare fighters as it's in this regard that fighters are able to tweak the technique to a way that suits them most, for example, some fighters like to plant their foot when they kick, some like to pivot, some prefer a 45 degree angle, some prefer the full 180, some prefer to follow through completely, some prefer to follow through half way (hand placement isn't nearly as tweakable). Total technique aside, I'm curious as to whether or not you'd agree that Masato's hand placement is the best you've seen in K-1?

Well at this level of course the whole idea of being technical becomes very complex. As stated I still feel Hoost is unmatched in the crown for most technical fighter careerwise because, well he is Mr Perfect. As far as resembling the textbook, the sort of pictures that coaches want to use as illustration, you pretty much have Hoost.

Now of course a few things to keep in mind. Like I have for example pointed out that Masato's kicks aren't "textbook" in the way that say Buakaw's midkicks are. But you have to remember that to get to this level fighters have to practice being effective. And textbook or no, Masato makes his kicking style work for him. The drawback of say foot impact is less important in the heat of the ring, where the textbook is thrown out the window anyway.

But that's an important too, when considering who is a more technical fighter we have to look at it in the context of fighting. Which is why comparing a fighter's technique in the ring versus another's on the mitts is a misleading an inaccurate comparison. Because logically I could tape myself shadow boxing in perfect form and claim to be the most technical fighter if nonfight footage is ok for comparison.

Hmm best hand placement? Masato is up there but the best is up for grabs. But for my money in K-1 MAX, Villaume's one fight in there showed really good hand placement with a right hand that was glued there. Technical quality in MAX is more competitive to begin with, and you have guys with Souwer and Ryan Simson who are well rounded and technically sound.

But overall most technical figher in standup I think is someone like Danny Bille in his early career where he won fights by being MORE technical than the Thais he was fighting.

[( o Y o )]

FightS? I can understand the first fight, but the rematch? There are people that think Zambidis won that? Then again, some people were saying he should have got the decision vs. Buakaw so who knows when it comes to Zambidis fans...

The first fight I think at least deserved an extra round....the second Masato took. We seem to agree there.

As I have done before, following the judging in the Buakaw vs Kraus and Souwer fights you can quite easily point to Zam winning his fight vs Buakaw. As I have said a million times to everyone saying Buakaw won it with ease......go back and add the total number of clean shots, including lowkicks (of which Zam actually landed more) landed anywhere other than on the opponents guard.

[( o Y o )]

I'm happy that nobody is really picking me to advance.Everyone's so focused on a BPP,Masato final or the Souwer,Masato semi.I'm telling you all today I'm a man on a mission come 30June.

Mate, I really think a lot of guys expect you to get into the second round here. Second round really all comes down to who gets hurt least in the first fight.

I expect FEG are expecting you to take Souwer out of the running too.....hence the match up. I see them putting your style against Souwers in the same way they put you against Buakaw at the Elims, and we talked about that. You should request anyone but the ref from the last fight this time.

[Razor Bump]

Bet is on baby! Let's put $50.00 on it.

I must disagree with you right now..... Virgil is now the best boxer. Buakaw is the best technical fighter in the building. Though Masato does have better technique than Hoost.... Hoost has applied his trade to become 4 time champion against some pretty tough odds. I will also say this in the style clash. Buakaw avoiding punches in a Thai stance is a lot more difficult than Masato who has boxer tendancies and a kickboxing stance.

I'm picking a Virgil x Buakaw or Sato final.

[virgil]

I'm picking a Virgil x Buakaw or Sato final.

Get Razor a blue pass so he can be in my corner.lol

[El Presidente]

Get Razor a blue pass so he can be in my corner.lol

Gee thanks, bra...

[Lord Gaul]

Kohi is going to beat Masato. I think that people are over looking him for the big penis of Max Masato and I think that he is going into the fight as if it were a superfight. Everyone is over looking him so it is his time to upset the KO king. I just feel it is right for an upset like this to happen.

[Sudoraba]

Who knows, K-1 MAX ends with an underdog upset every year. And especially with this year being the fightsport year of upsets...

[Kobayashi]

Kohi is going to beat Masato. I think that people are over looking him for the big penis of Max Masato and I think that he is going into the fight as if it were a superfight. Everyone is over looking him so it is his time to upset the KO king. I just feel it is right for an upset like this to happen.

I agree that Kohi is definitely taking this fight as a superfight, what happens from there doesn't mean much to him. This makes him extremely dangerous, especially since it's guaranteed that Masato's going to fight like this is the quarterfinals, meaning he'll probably be pretty careful about damaging his legs (from taking kicks and from throwing kicks).

[Lord Gaul]

No one ever really knows in K-1 Max. After its over with we all say, yeah I could see how so and so one. But the bottom line is we are almost always wrong and the winner is outside the favorites. It wouldn't shock me at all if either Kraus, Drago, Kohi, or are boy Virgil took the whole thing. The Vegas lines are not to be trusted on June 30th.

[The Ronin]

Kohi will defenitly take this fight as a super fight. If Kohi fights with his full potential it will still be anyones fight. It's not like he will overwelm Masato. Kohi has powerful Knees and 1 shot KO kicks but thats about it. Masato has punches, knees, and kicks. Masato will use his incredible reflexes to avoid Kohi's attacks and win by decision. I don't think Masato will dominate Kohi completly but he will win the fight. I just hope he isn't to hurt for the next round.

[Ookami Shippou]

Do you guys think Masato V. Yilmaz deserved an extra rd?

And btw, Masato will beat Kohi easily

[Razor Bump]

Serkan did his part, but..... you know that will not happen with Masato. lol
Masato is an enigma and even though I think he can beat Serkan.... they did not get to finish their fight. Make all superfigts in Max 4 rounds with an extra 5th round if necessary.

Blue Pass excepted. I wish I had time to take off and go down there..... it's coming soon.

[Kobayashi]

Do you guys think Masato V. Yilmaz deserved an extra rd?

Definitely not. I don't think Yilmaz deserved any round against Masato, but perhaps drew 1, maybe even 2 if we be really nice. Masato outboxed and outkicked him for the duration of the fight, but Yilmaz looked incredible in defeat, in my opinion. According to my statistics (yes... I have obsessive Masato statistics), Yilmaz took more kicks from Masato (54) than anyone Masato has faced, aside from Melchor Menor who took 102 kicks!

But yeah, Yilmaz appeared to be doing better than he really was because he was fancy and sent Masato flying a few times with his spinning back-kick (which was blocked basically every time). I really wish Yilmaz was still in K-1 MAX... the knockdown he received from Ludwig was total bullshit.

[virgil]

Gee thanks, bra...

You know I got love for you?

[Kobayashi]

Bet is on baby! Let's put $50.00 on it.

Confirmed!

Thanks for increasing the excitement of the event for me =)

Anyone else willing?

[Dado]

I am but I dont have money.

Id love to make you wrong and get some money out of it, considering how much emphasis youre putting into Masato winning it all! :p

[The Ronin]

I can't bealive that people still argue about the Yilmaz/Masato fight. Besides that very good spinning back kick that he landed in the first round he did nothing. He kept throwing bombs but nothing was landing and Masato kept connecting and racking up the points.

[El Presidente]

You know I got love for you?

;) just playing, man. Just playing.

[Razor Bump]

The President....e has spoken the jaws will be broken. Virgil Kalakoda.... will smoke ya
Man I wish Parr was still in the mix at this event.... but he'll be whuppen hiney else where.

[Cracked_Knuckle]

I got Buakaw advancing from the B block, and Masato advancing from the A block after a bogus desicion over the ever-agressive Kalakoda. Masato may well have a slight cut over his eye from getting stomped on by Kohi when he slips at some stage during their fight.

From there the refs will suddenly remember than Buakaw is not allowed to clinch, and he will be yellow carded into negatives for an eventual easy win for Masato, and everyone in Japan will be happy and Masato will announce his retirement as he will say there is no one out there that can even challenge him.

[derUbermensch]

If Masato were to win this GP fair and square with these brackets I wouldn't have a problem with him announcing his retirement.

[Ookami Shippou]

I got Buakaw advancing from the B block, and Masato advancing from the A block after a bogus desicion over the ever-agressive Kalakoda. Masato may well have a slight cut over his eye from getting stomped on by Kohi when he slips at some stage during their fight.

From there the refs will suddenly remember than Buakaw is not allowed to clinch, and he will be yellow carded into negatives for an eventual easy win for Masato, and everyone in Japan will be happy and Masato will announce his retirement as he will say there is no one out there that can even challenge him.
Too much BPP Nuthuggery

Masato will have a tough time with Buakaw. Just because Buakaw can't clinch doesn't mean it's over. He's still got the teep and the body kicks.

Masato will kick and box his way through Kohi. I see Masato avenging a second time via KO. Masato will have to kick and clinch his way through Virgil, I see this going 4R Dec.

Masato and Buakaw can go either way, depends what shape they are. What ever the outcome is, I want to see Masato V. Buakaw III at Dynamite!!!

[( o Y o )]

Superfights

Yodsanklai Fairtex Vs. Kamal El Amrani
TATSUJI Vs. Yasuhito Shirasu


These two are now listed as Opening fights.

[Cracked_Knuckle]

Too much BPP Nuthuggery

Masato will have a tough time with Buakaw. Just because Buakaw can't clinch doesn't mean it's over. He's still got the teep and the body kicks.

Too much? I didn't think I had huggery of anyone in my post. Just the facts ma'am :D

As for Buakaw and his teeps, they are still MIA. We haven't seen them since he destroyed 10,000 hearts destroying Masato in the finals 2 years ago.

[davidk]

I don't see Masato knocking out Kohi. Masato will win by dec.

[Lord Gaul]

I am starting to think that the break through fighter to watch in this field is Sato. I think that people already have him losing to Buakaw, almost as much as people have him Kohi losing Masato. The thing is he is prime to take this tourny. He is basically the Schilt of the Max and I think that he has the size to dictate the pace in his fights and score from the outside. He has an amazing jaw and I just think that he is prime to be what Buakaw and andy were before him. The guy that no one had going in and was still able to take the field.

Look out for Sato on the 30th of June boys and girls. He may shock the world.

[Kamatari]

These two are now listed as Opening fights.
A.K.A. empty arena fights, haha.

[Kamatari]

Look out for Sato on the 30th of June boys and girls. He may shock the world.
That's what I'm banking on. But this should be the hardest fight on paper next to Virgil vs. Andy. And if not, they'll cancel each other out and we'll end up with a not-so exciting fight. I just hope this GP will be better than last year's.

[Kobayashi]

I am starting to think that the break through fighter to watch in this field is Sato. I think that people already have him losing to Buakaw, almost as much as people have him Kohi losing Masato. The thing is he is prime to take this tourny. He is basically the Schilt of the Max and I think that he has the size to dictate the pace in his fights and score from the outside. He has an amazing jaw and I just think that he is prime to be what Buakaw and andy were before him. The guy that no one had going in and was still able to take the field.

Look out for Sato on the 30th of June boys and girls. He may shock the world.

Agreed. He'll block Buakaw's mids and knees without too much problems and possibly outscore him with low-kicks. I'm hoping this doesn't happen though. Sato's a big threat to Masato who will already have sore legs from Kohi. Buakaw's no threat to Masato's sore legs. Go Buakaw =P

[Kamatari]

Agreed. He'll block Buakaw's mids and knees without too much problems and possibly outscore him with low-kicks. I'm hoping this doesn't happen though. Sato's a big threat to Masato who will already have sore legs from Kohi. Buakaw's no threat to Masato's sore legs. Go Buakaw =P
Unless Buakaw actually decides to throw low kicks, he threw some nice combinations against Pique where he finished with low kicks. He also kicked on a block repeatedly...

[Kobayashi]

Buakaw can definitely throw a mean low-kick, but I think people over-rate his low-kick a bit because his mid-kicks are so damn good. His low-kick definitely isn't as lethal as Sato's and Masato's. I sure can't picture him harming either of the two with low-kicks.

[Lord Gaul]

I doubt any fighter will be truly slowed by low kicks the whole night. Atleast not from one guy anyways. Masato has the largest threat of taking consistent pressure from Kohi, but then after that he basically gets a boxer. I also agree that Buakaw low kicks are overated simply because he doesn't do them that much yet he gets credit for choping guys down like he was Hoost in his prime. He uses the mid kicks and he uses them well. But I would not be worried about him low kicking me to death.

I am pretty excited about this WGP and I think it will be the best of them all. And that is saying something because 2003 was about as fairy tail as it gets.

[Dado]

I doubt any fighter will be truly slowed by low kicks the whole night. Atleast not from one guy anyways. Masato has the largest threat of taking consistent pressure from Kohi, but then after that he basically gets a boxer. I also agree that Buakaw low kicks are overated simply because he doesn't do them that much yet he gets credit for choping guys down like he was Hoost in his prime. He uses the mid kicks and he uses them well. But I would not be worried about him low kicking me to death.

I think its pretty safe to say he can if presented the opportunity knock anybody out with low kicks, but in a tournament format he cant afford to smash his legs. Mid/high kicks are safer option. He also wont be able to do extensive damage to any top fighter in MAX with only 3 rounds to fight with, so low kicks are really a bit a risk.

[Shinbone]

Low kicks are a big risk, especially in a tournament format. The reason why Buakaw didn't kick with his right leg against Kalakoda was that he messed up that right leg fighting Pique two weeks ago. He kicked damn hard on a block, he felt back and looked at his right shin and his facial expression was like, ahhhhh that hurt.

Buakaw low kicks are possible the hardest in K-1 max, only he doesn't use his low kicks that much. If people saw Buakaw's fight against Jomhod, he threw a low kick that was so hard that could destroy ones leg with one single blow.

Sato's low kicks aren't that hard compared to Buakaw's, but Sato throws lots of them and times his low kicks very good. So all those (relative weak) low kicks are gonna hurt because he thows like 50 of them in a fight, while Buakaw only low kicks 5 times in a match.

[Ookami Shippou]

Buakaw by Dec

The champion's spirit will prevail

IMHO, Souwer got LUCKY last year, fighting a injured Kohi, cut Kazuya, and injured Buakaw

[urdum]

Yo Koba I want to bet with you for 20$ but I dont how this betting thing works. Cause I live in Holland where they use Euro here.

Anyway I want to place 20 $ on the bet that Masato WILL NOT WIN. I hope you pm me about this

[Dado]

Only 20$? Not very confident are you? ;)

[Kobayashi]

Yo Koba I want to bet with you for 20$ but I dont how this betting thing works. Cause I live in Holland where they use Euro here.

Anyway I want to place 20 $ on the bet that Masato WILL NOT WIN. I hope you pm me about this

Hey bro,

Thanks for the offer =)

Money will be in USD, we shall both send $20USD to ( o Y o ) before June 30th and he will send the winner both payments in return. However, note that some of it will be deducted due to PayPal fees, so it'll be a bit less than $40USD.

So far it's:
JWP - $50
Razor - $50
Urdum - $20

Exciting =)

[urdum]

Only 20$? Not very confident are you? ;)

Are you placing a bet? No I am not realy confident you are right. Masato has a big chance of winning so thats why I didnt place higher as $20

[Dado]

You know what, I think I will put 20$ on it.

How exactly is this done then? USD? We send to oyo standard through mail?

[Kobayashi]

You could, but I'll be doing it through PayPal.

[Kobayashi]

JWP - $50
Razor - $50
Urdum - $20
Zanzoken - $20

=)

I must say, that although I feel Masato has more chance at winning than anyone in the GP--I don't feel he has more chance than all 7 fighters COMBINED. So it's a really good bet to be making for you guys. It's not so much confidence that pushes me to make these bets, but my genuine support for my favorite fighter. 1 month to go, boys--who else wants to throw some cash in?

[Razor Bump]

We will send a payment to the customers account. You can pretty much make them with anybody on paypal that has an e-mail or a bank account.

[Jofeljoh!]

I almost tend to think Kobayashi knows something we all DON'T know LOL!

will the next MAX be rigged? ;)

[Razor Bump]

lol yeah he is banking on it. Masato will have one eye left and get up from multiple knock downs..... but the judges will give it to him on heart

[urdum]

Yo Koba. Do you have some connections with the judges from k-1 or something like that? I mean you are realy confident that Masato is going to win

[Ookami Shippou]

Because he's the best

[Mago]

Or because he's indeed damn good PLUS he WILL get ANY (and I mean ANY) fight that he manages to go the distance. I think 2004 GP showed just how hard, how terribly bad K1 wants Masato to take the max crown again, we haven't seen any other disgraceful decision on their part simply because Masato broke his ankle and couldn't possibly continue in 2005, I wonder what they would do if he was indeed healthy to go ahead.

Maybe the Tanikawa's statement (I think it was him, in the 2004 HWGP Final) "We would REALLY want a japanese champion this time" just before that GP began will probably apply to Kohi and Sato too (it sure worked for Musashi, who got disgusting decisions over Sefo, Koaklai (yes I think Koaklai won that fight, his best K1 fight in my eyes) and Remy, who had to give 300% again to take the freaking trophy home), although Kohi has his chance gone since he's facing Masato, who is superior, I believe, and Sato seems to be nowhere near Masato's appeal level.

The sad thing apart all the open favouritism which is a such a paradox in modern sports is that those guys don't even NEED it, Sato is awesome and can easily win the GP, Masato is fantastic and can just as easily win it, and he has shown he doesn't really want his "allies" outside the ring giving him fights he hadnt won, but the funny part is that K1 don't even care and will ensure he wins wether he actually won or not.

So although it isn't the reason here, I'm sure, betting in Masato to take the GP is the best bet possible by any way you look at it, Masato not only has the tools to take it by storm, at least by looking good in defeat, and can hardly be rocked - this is more than enough for K1 judges to give him any fight, all it took for Musashi was some weak looking mid kicks to supress the fact he was circling and getting hit for 3 rounds by all the fighters he faced on 2004 GP.

[Ookami Shippou]

So you're saying Masato is an unimpressive weak fighter who will win via Judge help?

BS

[The Ronin]

Musashi and Masato are two different fighter! Musashi survives on decisons Masato earns them! Alot of people complain on the Buakaw decision and yes I agree that was total BS making it go to another round but just asnwer this, who won the fight? Buakaw did so why complain so much about it! Other than that Masato has won his fights fare and square.

[Mago]

So you're saying Masato is an unimpressive weak fighter who will win via Judge help?

BS

Mago said:

"The sad thing apart all the open favouritism which is a such a paradox in modern sports is that those guys don't even NEED it, Sato is awesome and can easily win the GP, Masato is fantastic and can just as easily win it, and he has shown he doesn't really want his "allies" outside the ring giving him fights he hadnt won (...)".

Please read before commenting.

[( o Y o )]

open post to those asking for my paypal account info for betting....wait until my computer is fixed as all the info is in it. Shouldn't be more than a week *crosses fingers**

[Ookami Shippou]

Question -

Would it be against policy to post a documentary about the Masato-Kohi rivalry?

I ran upon one on another forum

It's pretty cool

[Charuto]

People can say what they will about Koba's fan-dom, but dood has a good lot of nerve to holding this wager. It's pretty much convinced me that Masato'll take the whole thing again.

[Ookami Shippou]

Masato's got it

But I'm kinda rooting for Kohi for some reason

Even though I know he'll NEVER beat Masato

[LeftHookKO]

Damn~ Koba makes my Masato bias look like Zambidis bias.

I say Masato takes it too... though i'm a bit worried about Kohi. I think Kohi is more focused on taking out Masato rather than winning the tournament. War Uniqlo? Nah~ Masato by lefthookko!

[heckyl]

anybody know who kozo is fighting?

[Michael Schiavello]

This will be a mad event!

Can't wait!

If anyone wants to see JWP's thoughts on who will win check out latest issue of IK magazine and also have a look at what he says about MASATO and KRAUS on my website and their strengths and weaknesses.

"The Voice" Michael Schiavello
www.bigkabosh.bigblog.com.au

[unicorn]

@Masato being a top technician and how far :

Even the one and only Hoost has some (arguable) flaws in his style. The punches especially look awkward, sometimes more like slapping rather than punching. Making the statement "he is a good technician" depends largely on what understanding we are ready to give to the concept of "technique". Technique (like technicality of winning) is heavily underlined by stance, balance, footwork and personality in ring tactic. There are bunch of fighters who in theory have the technique but in practice they miss considerable effectiveness for the sake of textbook look-alike but lacking the subtle backup of the said concepts. It works (if I'd make a somehow forced comparison) like in modern physics : the more exact one can precise the position of a particle, the less precision one can afford to state its energy.
These said, Masato is a good technician and has personality. "Masato style" can be deffinitely traced, quoted, defined, with ups and downs, strongholds and flaws.
Strongholds : he is hard to nail and has good sense of situation, combination skill, composure in defensive.
(Maybe) flaws : his kicks (excepting perhaps the legkicks) are not enchained with maximal power delivery and sometimes his motion style spoils accuracy. Less sophisticated fighters dedicate perhaps less time to enhancing arsenal but to personalizing arsenal. Perhaps, imo, Masato is not lacking technique, but the opposite - sometimes risking to get lost in his vast ability spectrum. I think that mental composure (in spite of his very calm pose) might be the key, he might need to be able not only to focus but to escalate at appropriate moment and with appropriate means. I am also curious to see what defensive/tactic approach he took against such strong kickers as Buakaw. It is obvious that relying on mere double forearm block is not working against Buakaw, even blocked, such kicks do a tremendous offbalancing.
With respect for Masato (and aware that Kraus looks more limited in what concerns offensive arsenal), Kraus seems to have been educated to adjust distance upon blocking so as to minimise impact and be able to takeover rapidly upon such a hard kicker as Buakaw. Dutch have been notable for developing (since Kaman and Dekkers) defensive tricks and tips to be able to conserve punching momentum against a strong Thai kicker.
Please take the above as technical comments and technical only. All the 4 top contenders in the Max plus the underdogs are extremely respectable each for what he brings.

[unicorn]

As a side remark : an eminent technician for developing motion and attack fighters = Cor Hemmers. Dekkers was particular for his sheer force, but I think that the true trademark are Leko and Amrani. Specific accuracy developed in sharp punching with a very difficult motion style and good defensive for kicking arsenal relying on distancing rather than on opposing sheer blocks. Did not give this example like suggesting that Masato's coach is something lesser, just to point to a technicality.

[Kobayashi]

This will be a mad event!

Can't wait!

If anyone wants to see JWP's thoughts on who will win check out latest issue of IK magazine and also have a look at what he says about MASATO and KRAUS on my website and their strengths and weaknesses.

"The Voice" Michael Schiavello
www.bigkabosh.bigblog.com.au

Thanks for that, JWP sure has his way with words--had me giggling several times.

"If a fighter can get on top of Kohi and keep him in the uncomfortable zone,
everything will soon go out the window and the canvas looks like a great
place."

"His fight with Buakow in the 2004 final was a bit of a shocker, Kohi
wanted to grapple but when he got tossed around like fruit salad..."

"It is hard though to make Kohi crap his daks but if he does then it’s all over."

^_^

[The Ronin]

Damn the link isn't working:(