Will the Foreign Aces Clash Between K-1’s Sattari and Ganryujima’s Aurelio End in a Shocking Outcome?
On October 18, the weigh-ins and press conference for the “10.19 JAPAN MARTIAL ARTS EXPO PROLOGUE” were held. The event is divided into four segments, featuring five matches in the second half, including a Quintet Rules one-match fight, TEAM SAKU vs. TEAM RIZIN under Quintet Rules, Ganryujima Rules, and a boxing match between Koji and Buakaw. All fighters participating in the main event took the stage.
Representing K-1 are the 5th K-1 WORLD GP Featherweight Champion, Taito Gunji (Japan), and 2022 K-1 WORLD GP Open Weight Tournament Champion, Mahmoud Sattari (Iran).
Gunji will face Cristian Bogdan (Kickboxing/Romania) for the ISKA Intercontinental title. Sattari will clash with Capoeira expert Marcus Lelo Aurelio under Ganryujima Rules (3 rounds of 3 minutes with 30 seconds of ground submission allowed) at an 88kg contract.
Gunji made his professional debut in Krush in 2015. After winning the K-1 Koshien Championship in 2016, he claimed the 2nd Krush Bantamweight title in 2017. In 2021, he challenged Tsubakihara Tatsuya for the K-1 Featherweight title, won the match, and became the 5th K-1 Featherweight Champion. He went on to win the K-1 Featherweight World’s Strongest Tournament in 2022. This time, he will challenge ISKA rules, fighting in a cage for the first time in kickboxing.
Sattari has a strong amateur Muay Thai background and made a sensational debut by knocking out Seiya Tanigawa with a single punch in Krush 2021. In 2022, he entered the K-1 Open Weight Tournament, defeating K-Jee in the first round, Kyotaro in the semifinals, and Seiya Tanigawa again in the finals to win the championship. Now, for the first time, he will face Capoeira master Aurelio under Ganryujima Rules, an unusual style for him. How will this dream match between the K-1 champion and Ganryujima’s foreign ace unfold?
Comments from Gunji, Bogdan, Sattari, and Aurelio at the Press Conference:
Gunji:
“I’m Taito Gunji from K-1. Tomorrow is my first time fighting in another organization, my first time in a cage, and my first time with these round settings, but I’m looking forward to enjoying it all and making it the most exciting match.”
Bogdan:
“I think tomorrow will be a great event. My opponent is strong, so make sure to watch it; it will be a good fight.”
Sattari:
“I’m really looking forward to facing an experienced Brazilian tomorrow. Please look forward to the match.”
Aurelio:
“I’m excited to face such a strong K-1 star. Thank you for inviting me to this event.”
Comments from Daichi Abe, Tae Young Yoon, Hikaru Machida, and Kota Sugimura at the Press Conference:
▼ 8th Match / MMA Rules / 3 Rounds of 5 Minutes / 83kg Contract
Daichi Abe (RIZIN/Japan):
“I think the Japan-Korea match will be super exciting. MMA has only one match on the card, so please enjoy it.”
Tae Young Yoon (ROAD FC/Korea):
“In this event, I plan to leave a good impression with a great fight.”
▼ 7th Match / Kickboxing Rules / 3 Rounds of 3 Minutes / 70kg Contract
Hikaru Machida (Ibushi Pro Wrestling Research Institute/Japan):
“My opponent is making his professional debut, but I believe he already has refined speed, power, and technique. The only edge I have is my special move, the ‘IAI punch.’ I believe I can change the world with this punch. I’m the IAI puncher.”
Kota Sugimura (Kickboxing/Japan):
“Tomorrow is my pro debut, and I’m excited to fight such an experienced opponent. I’m young, and I plan to make it the most exciting match.”
Event Overview
Noto Peninsula Earthquake Charity Event
JAPAN MARTIAL ARTS EXPO PROLOGUE
Event Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Doors Open: 12:30 PM, Event Starts: 2:00 PM
Venue: Yokohama BUNTAI (2-7-1 Furocho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0032)
Organizer: Japan Martial Arts Consortium
Ticket Prices: Arena Reserved Seats ¥10,000 (excluding tax) / General Admission (Free Seating) ¥3,000 (excluding tax)
Tickets on Sale: From Tuesday, October 1, 2024, via ePlus and other ticketing services.
How to watch：
12:30-（JST) U-NEXT（Only in Japan・Free）
https://video.unext.jp/livedetail/LIV0000006877?rid=FS00040
14:00-（JST) TrillerTV（Worldwide exlculding Japan・PPV）
https://www.trillertv.com/watch/japan-martial-arts-expo-2024/2pfqy/
14:00-（JST) Fight Plus（Worldwide excluding Japan・PPV）
https://fightplus.eu/item.html?id=4949480
Official Website：https://jmaexpo.com/
For the latest updates, please check the official social media channels