K – 1 World Grand Prix Finals 2009 Preview
K – 1 Fighters Meet For A Championship Tournament
Nov 2, 2009
The K – 1 World GP Finals brings eight fighters from around the world together for one night of competition. To become the champion a fighter must win three matches in one night which requires a mix of strategy, endurance, and skill. This year’s K – 1 Final brings together former champions and knockout artists which should produce an exciting night of fights. Look for Badr Hari and Alistair Overeem to continue their rivalry as Remy Bonjasky and Semmy Schilt look for a return to glory.
K – 1 Finals
The first round of eight fighters has one competitive match while tournament favorites should secure victories. Jerome Le Banner, often regarded as the best fighter to not claim the K – 1 championship, meets three time former champion, Semmy Schilt, a giant at 6 feet 11 inches and 294 pounds. Shilt has two previous decision victories over Jerome Le Banner, and will most likely use a combination of knees and punches to take another decision victory here in a hard fought fight.
Badr Hari meets Ruslan Karaev for the third time, each fighter holding a knockout win over the other. Look for Badr Hari to take the swing match through a knockout. Alistair Overeem who has split his time between MMA and K – 1 meets Ewerton Teixeira, and should also score a knockout victory. Although he secured last year’s championship amid some controversy, three time champion Remy Bonjasky should take a win over Errol Zimmerman.
K – 1 Grand Prix Finals Predictions
Every fighter has difficult matches in their draw, and moving past the first round without significant injury will be a key to victory. Likely second round match – ups include Badr Hari and Alistair Overeem facing off while Remy Bonjasky meets Semmy Schilt in a battle of former champions. Expect fighters to push the pace in this round in order to advance to the finals.
Badr Hari will have a size disadvantage against Alistair Overeem who brutally knocked Hari out last year. Badr Hari is a vicious fighter with a strong pace and knockout power while Overeem is has an advantage in power. Look for Hari to set the pace by attacking quickly and trying to damage Overeem through a mix of leg kicks and punches. However, despite Badr Hari’s high knock out rate, Overeem will take a hard fought victory via knockout in the third round.
Semmy Shilt has two previous victories over Remy Bonjasky who is known for his flying knees and strong kicking. Shilt with his reach advantage and knees keeps opponents at bay. Bonjasky will use chopping kicks to Schilt’s legs and will use his hands to prevent Schilt from closing the distance to utilize knee strikes. Shilt will be heavily damaged from his first round fight with Le Banner, allowing Bonjasky to outwork him towards a decision victory.
K -1 2009 Finals Champion Prediction
Remy Bonjasky will face Alistair Overeem in this year’s final matchup after each dispatching other fighters during the first two rounds. Both fighters face hard roads to the final. Bonjasky has yet to defeat the giant Semmy Shilt who often leaves opponents damaged and exhausted, while Overeem faces Hari who can be absolutely terrifying. Overeem will most likely be the fresher fighter as the two fighters meet again in a K – 1 fight.
Bonjasky took a decision victory against Overeem in March, 2009. Both fighters match up well with Bonjasky having a decisive advantage in experience. Overeem is durable though much of his success stems from bullying over smaller fighters. Bonjasky will have a technical advantage and should produce enough strikes to take a decision victory at Overeem’s expense in the K – 1 Finals.
The K – 1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final will take place on December 5, 2009 in Yokohama, Japan.
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