Drago beats Sato at K-1 Max Final 16

Gago Drago showed up in form on Tuesday night and advanced to the Final 8 in place of one of the heavy favourites in last years semi finalist Yoshihiro Sato via unanimous decision after an extra round. Drago has been eliminated by the champion before the final in the last three years; losing to Buakaw in the 2006 semi finals, Andy Souwer in the 2007 quarter finals and Masato in the 2008 Final 8. The fight was won by determination and conditioning as both fighters traded evenly over the first three rounds before a three minute assault by the Armenian in the extra round sent him through to the quarter finals in July.

Sato set the pace early, tattooing Drago with kicks to the legs and body as well as timing Drago’s rushes with knee strkes to the midsection. Drago had several good moments of his own in the first round, landing several stiff overhand rights as well as a hard uppercut in the second half of the fight that kept the round even. The pace increased in the 2nd round although the pattern of the fight remained the same. Sato continued to outbox Drago early in the round before Drago landed several heavy shots to keep things even. In the 2nd, Drago scored frequently with his high kick as well as two vicious leg kicks designed to slow the two time K-1 MAX Japan champion down. Nothing could seperate the two warriors in the third round however as Drago raised his hands in victory, Sato looked gassed after three rounds. 

As expected the fight was sent to an extra round after all three judges scored every round even (you’d have to have serious bias to score it to one fighter or the other). If you watched the extra round and then the other three, you wouldn’t have believed it was from the same fight. Drago immediately pounced on the fatigued Sato and punished him for three minutes. Sato was struggling to keep his hands up and could only push his punches out as Drago repeatedly hammered him with heavy right hands. Sato was game to the end, but couldn’t find the energy to deal with the rampaging Drago and all three judges awarded the extra round to Drago and his spot in the Final 8.

 Nieky ‘The Natural” Holtzken advanced in the co main event with a three round majority decision win over K-1 Rookie Chahid. Very little seperated the fighters in the first round with Holzken using hi superior reach and speed to score with clean combinations while the compact Chahid bulled his way inside where he worked both sides of Holtzkens legs as well as scoring with punching combinations to the head. Holtzken pulled ahead after the 2nd round, stunning Chahid briefly with a left hook and scoring with the cleaner and harder shots. The third round was very even again, as both guys let their strikes go but neither could score a clear advantage. One judge scored the bout a draw with the other two scoring it for Holtzken in a fight that realistically should have gone a 4th.

Three of K-1′s former champions also advanced to the Final 8 in July. Andy Souwer, the 2005 and 2007 champion, was given a good fight by Leroy Kaetsner but two first round knockdowns was too much for the Peter Aerts trained Kaestner to overcome. The fight was close throughout much of it, but Souwer’s experience and ability to capitilise on the openings given to him was the difference and he took a three round unanimous decision. 2004 and 2006 champion Buakaw Por. Pramuk’s night wasn’t nearly as easy against Andre Dida. Dida shocked everyone scoring a knockdown via a left hook in the opening minute of the fight. For the rest of the round he pursued Buakaw but despite landing some solid right hands, couldn’t put the former champion away. The rest of the fight was a different story as Buakaw punished Dida with knees to the body as well as his deadly kicks to the legs and midsection. After three rounds the judges scored the fight a draw meaning the fatigued Dida had to endure another three minutes of Buakaw’s fury. He held on, but the extra round was all Buakaw and a point deduction against Dida for holding made the decision easy for the judges and Buakaw procedes to the Final 8 for the sixth year in a row. The original K-1 MAX champion Albert Kraus made light work of Yuichiro Nagashima (who had the most bizarre walk in I’ve ever seen). Known more for his flamboyant personality rather then fight skill, Yuichiro was dropped by Kraus less then a minute into the fight before finishing him with a deadly assault of punches on the ropes at the 69 second mark. After falling short against Buakaw last year in the Final 16, it’s good to have ‘The Hurricane’ in the Final 8 this year and with his now seven fight winning streak, he has a serious shot at the crown.

In a fight that will likely provide cannon fodder for one of the other Final 8 members, 2009 K-1 MAX Japan runner-up Yuya Yamamoto outpointed K-1 MAX Korea champion Chi Bin Lim over three rounds. Lim took the early lead over Yamamoto, who was a late substitute for the injured Taishin Kohiruimaki, scoring with sharp combinations on the inside. Lim seemed to be leading in the 2nd round as well until he was dropped by a spinning back fist which gave Yamamoto an advantage after two rounds. The third round saw very little seperate the two combatants and was ruled a draw, giving the decision to Yamamoto. I’ll be very surprised if Yamamoto makes the Final.

Last years Finalist Artur Kyshenko advanced earlier on the card with a devastating first round knockout victory against overmatched Alviar Lima. Lima opened the fight fast, but soon tasted the Ukranian’s power and was down in the first minute. Kyshenko picked his shots from there on scoring a standing eight count late in the round before a further barrage finished Lima off. The card was opened up by Giorgio Petrosyans stoppage win over dangerous Dzhabor Askervov. Petrosyan controlled the first round from the outside, using a variety of boxing combinations as well as a well timed body kick and leaping rear knee to pepper Askerov all while skillfully avoiding his return fire. After an accidental groin kick by Askerov at the start of the 2nd, Petrosyan fought him on the inside and continued to get the better of just about every exchange. Scoring with uppercuts, body rips and knees to the head, the young Italian was too slick for the semi finalist of ‘The Contender.’ Early in the third, Petrosyan went to sweep Askerov’s legs and after knocking him off balance, he ended the night with a perfect knee to the liver that Askerov was unable to recover from.

(I’m fully aware that the card took place nearly a week ago but US viewers didn’t get it until Friday so that’s why this was put off for a week).

K-1 MAX Final 16 on Tuesday

I’ll put the focus on UFC 97 aside for a second as K-1 MAX starts this week with the Final 16 event on Tuesday. I have to say that since I started watching K-1 about eight months ago I’ve been blown away by some of it. The K-1 cards are now right up there with the UFC cards or a good boxing match. There’s either fights with a lot on the line or some quality beatings in store for you at a K-1 card. I’ve spent the last six weeks watching K-1 MAX for the last few years and I’m very much looking forward to Tuesday’s event. After defending champion Masato’s retirement (he’ll face the MAX champion at the New Years Eve event), the final 16 look for their spot in the quarter finals which will take place in July. The field sees past champions Buakaw, Andy Souwer and Albert Kraus return again as well as stand-outs from last years MAX series Artur Kyshenko and Yoshihiro Sato. Also on the card is an exhibition match between Masato and rising Japanese star Hiroya.

Leroy Kaestner vs Andy Souwer
Two time champion (2005, 2007) Andy Souwer returns to the MAX Final 16 and his opponent is a rising star in the sport. Souwer is one of the more accomplished kickboxers in the world holding multiple world titles in different organisations and boasting an incredible record of 130-7 (17-3 in K-1). Souwer is a very well rounded striker who doesn’t have many weaknesses at all. Last year Souwer was eliminated in the quarter finals by Ukranian young gun Arthur Kyshenko which snapped a winning streak that dated back to 2006 and included his MAX title in 2007. Souwer’s last outing saw him drop a decision to Italian star Giorgio Petroysan who is among this years Final 16.
Kaestner is the youngest competitor in this years MAX at just 20 years of age. Training out of Team Aerts, he won the K-1 Holland event last year with three wars on the same night to qualify for this tournament. Standing at just 5’5, his short compact style can be hard for the fighters without enough power to discourage him. Souwer really shouldn’t have too many problems in this fight, I expect him to win a lopsided decision or score a late TKO. Andy Souwer by 3rd round knockout.

Nieky Holtzken vs Chahid Oulad El Hadj
Two relative K-1 newbies will square off in the Final 16 with Holtzken and Chahid in what could be an explosive battle. Holtzken stands over 6′ and knows how to use his reach well. He’s scored some stunning knockouts in his short K-1 career where he’s won five of his six bouts with his only loss coming at the hands of Buakaw. Chahid is making his K-1 debut and I don’t know much about him as I’ve been unable to get any footage of him. From what I understand he’s a very technical fighter who likes to draw the lead of his opponents and counter with fast and accurate shots. I think the experience and size advantage that Holzken has will give him the edge. Nieky Holtzken on points.

Artur Kyshenko vs Alviar Lima
Last years MAX runner-up Artur Kyshenko has one of the tougher fights in order to qualify for the Final 8 in July against hard punching Alviar Lima. I’ll go out on a limb now and say that Kyshenko is my pick for the MAX title this year. The 23 year old Ukranian has bowed out to Masato in both 2007 and 2008 in the semi finals and final respectively. In recent times Kyshenko has defeated Yoshihiro Sato, Andy Souwer, Jordan Tai and Yasuhiro Kido while only losing to Masato in the last two and a half years. His win over Sato in New Years Eve was one of the better fights of the night and with Sato’s recent form it cemented Kyshenko as the best of the new breed of K-1 fighters. Lima is just dangerous, that’s the only way to decribe him. His power doesn’t stand out because of his low KO%, but his knockout of Nieky Holtzken last year shows that when he hits you you’ll go to sleep. Still, Kyshenko is my pick for this years title and I think he’ll make easy work of Lima after a hard fought first round. Kyshenko’s body punches should take their toll and he’ll put Lima away early in the 3rd. Artur Kyshenko by 3rd round knockout.

Chi Bin Lim vs Yuya Yamamoto
Probably the weaker of the eight matches on this years Final 16 card, 2009 Japanese MAX runner-up Yamamoto replaces 2009 Japanese MAX champion Taishin Kohiruimaki after the champion suffered an injury in training. Lim is a three time Korean MAX champion and gets another shot in this years Final 16. I’ll be very surprised if the winner of this fight is anything other then cannon fodder for some in the quarter finals, but this could prove an exciting scrap between two guys who will be desperate to get a win on the big stage. I’ll pick Lim, but only because Yamamoto is taking the fight on short notice. Chi Bin Lim on points.

Dzhabar Askerov vs Giorgio Petroysan
This is the fight I’m looking forward to the most on this card. Two fighters with little K-1 experience but fierce reputations in other organisations. I’ve already mentioned Petroysan earlier in this article as he is coming off a win over Andy Souwer via decision after an extra round. He’s also head Buakaw to a draw and defeated the likes of K-1 veterans Marco Pique and Warren Stevelmans. Petrosyan’s record stands at 55-1-2 in his young career so far, and he’s appeared in K-1 three times, winning twice and drawing with Buakaw. Askerov is known for his semi final achievement on ‘The Contender- Asia’ where he lost to John Wayne Parr in the semi finals. He lost comprehensively on points to JWP in a rematch last September in Australia. Petroysan is someone to watch out for in the future as he’s nly 23 and has already beaten some big names. I expect him to go through with a hard fought decision victory here and he could be a dark horse to take the title this year with a bit of luck on his side. Giorgio Petroysan on points.

Drago vs Yoshihiro Sato
This has potential for fight of the night as do most of Sato’s fights. Last year Sato engaged in two wars with Buakaw, losing one via split decision after an extra round before avenging it with a 3rd round KO to earn his spot in the MAX semi finals. Once there, he went to war with Masato, dropping him before losing a unanimous decision. He finished the year out with a majority decision loss to Kyshenko at Dynamite! but has since snapped the losing streak with a 2nd round KO over Sergey Golyaev in February. Drago is a fan favourite who sits behind the Souwer’s, Masato’s and Buakaws on the 2nd tier MAX fighters. Drago is always dangerous with his heavy hands and aggressive style and could put Sato out if he’s on his game. I expect that Sato will use his leg kicks to wear Drago down and stop him in the later rounds, but if he lets Drago in close his iron chin will certainly be put to the test. Yoshiro Sato by 3rd round KO.

Andre Dida vs Buakaw Por. Pramunak
Former Chute Boxe member Andre Dida is the first round opponent for two time champion Buakaw Por. Pramunak. Dida is more famous for MMA then K-1 where he has only had one fight. He was eliminated in the first round of last years DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix by Eddie Alvarez via TKO in an electrifying battle. Buakaw is one of the more lethal strikers on the planet and despite his recent poor form (which I think can be put down to over fighting) is one of the favourites to win the MAX this year. The 2004 and 2006 champion will look to become the first three time MAX champion this year but has lost two of his last three fights. After bowing out in the quarter finals last year in an exciting war with Sato, he defeated Kultar Gill by first round KO at the MAX final before dropping a decision to Albert Kraus in November in Holland. Buakaw fought seven times last year (two against Sato and two against Kraus) which I think he’ll need to cut back so he can be fresh for a run at the title. He was back in the ring within three weeks after beating both Kraus and Sato earlier in the year which is just too much fighting at this level. I expect Buakaw to have an easy nights work with Dida. His leg kicks and punching combinations will be too deadly and I’ll be surprised if this fight goes to a third round. Buakaw Por. Pramunak by 2nd round KO.

Albert Kraus vs Yuichiro Nagashima
Despite Nagashima losing in the Japanese MAX tournament earlier in the year, he had a strong chance of winning the crown had he not lost on a cut in the 2nd fight to Yamamoto. Albert Kraus appears to be reviving his career with recent wins over Buakaw, Warren Stevelmans, Mike Zambidis and Yashihiro Kido included in his six fight winning streak. Kraus lost to Buakaw in the Final 16 round last year but likely would have gone further had he been given an easier first round match. K-1′s first MAX champion is among the favourites to win this years event, and should prove too skilled for the flamboyant Nagashima. Nagashima dresses in weird clothes, but can fight as hard as the rest of them with a dangerous punch and iron chin, he’ll likely take a beating before going down to Kraus, in fact he’ll probably be crazy enough to last the distance. Albert Kraus on points.

Other Fights
As I sais before, also on the card is the first of Masato’s three fight retirement plan which is an exhibition match with Hiroya, the young Japanese superstar who many are tipping to be the next Masato. Also included in this plan is a fight (likely with DREAM standout Tatsuya Kawajiri) at the MAX final before a showdown with the winner on New Years Eve. The reserve fight sees K-1 MAX Japan semi finalist Yasuhiro Kido take on K-1 MAX Korea runner-up Su Hwan Lee.