K-1 WORLD GP 2022 JAPAN ～K’FESTA.5 ～ [03-04] Results

[shkibb]

KFesta 5 was a great event as always. A lot of upsets.

Was really disappointed that KJee and Kyotaro didn't seem to be much of a factor. I didn't actually see the Sattari vs KJee fight as my PC decided to freeze up on me just long enough for me to miss it, but I see that KJee was KO'd pretty early. Kyotaro looked terrible and had an almost 20 kg weight advantage over Sattari. Have to hand it to Sattari though, he was by far the smallest guy out there and he looked good. He's got some decent skills and looks very athletic. His fellow countryman Karimian next for him ?

Really happy for Yamato. He had lost 3 out of his last 4 and I really didn't think he had a chance vs Yamazaki, but he proved otherwise. KO of the year candidate there. I also likes seeing his actions after he had won. He celebrated the KO for a bit, but then immediately went over to check on Yamazaki's condition showing some great sportsmanship there. He's always seemed like a pretty good guy in that respect.

Was also great to see Suzuki get a win as he had been on a 3 fight losing streak. I'm surprised Hayashi even got up from the knockdown after seeing his head do the basketball dribble off the mat.

What's up with Egawa ? He was on his way to becoming the next big K-1 star a few years ago and now 3 straight losses.

Asahisa, Anpo and Noiri looked impressive as well, all winning by KO's. Anpo wants another chance at Noiri. Noiri says he's not interested, but will fight him again if K-1 makes the fight. And maybe a title shot for Asahisa in the future too ?

Was good to see Peter Aerts. He looks to be in good shape and maybe he should have been in the tournament ?

[K1power]

I've been calling for Kyotaro's comeback to kickboxing/K-1 for years and was really happy when it finally happened, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit disappointed with his performances so far. He should be the champion of K-1's entertaining, but not exactly world-class HW division. For a guy who's defeated Aerts, Saki, Manhoef, JLB etc. to struggle against guys like Karimian and Sattari is disappointing. I really like both Karimian and Sattari, but Kyotaro should have been able to beat them without too much trouble. Perhaps at 35, this out-of-shape and slightly unmotivated looking gatekeeper version of Kyotaro is the best we're gonna get. It is what it is.

As for K-Jee. He tried to stand and trade with Sattari, but was doing so while on the backpedal and got caught by a huge shot. I hope he comes back from this as he's probably my favorite Japanese HW of this newer generation.

And no, at 51 Aerts shouldn't risk getting knocked out anymore .
His son will make his debut at DFS next month, perhaps a successor?

[K1power]

All of this is on K-1's YouTube channel:

[K1power]