A 37kg weight difference and a last-minute offer six days ago—will Kido still aim for a knockout?
On October 18, a press conference and weigh-in were held ahead of the 『10.19 JAPAN MARTIAL ARTS EXPO PROLOGUE』 featuring several fights, including a Quintet Rules one-match, a Quintet Rules battle between TEAM SAKU vs. TEAM RIZIN, Ganryujima Rules, and the highly anticipated boxing match between Koji and Buakaw. All participants of the five matches in the latter half of the event appeared.
In a 3-minute, 3-round Ganryujima Rules Open Weight match, former sumo wrestler Terutsuyoshi (Japan) will face kickboxer Kido Yasuhiro (Japan) in a clash of styles: sumo vs. kickboxing. The two fighters have a massive weight difference of 37kg, with Terutsuyoshi weighing 107kg and Kido at 70kg. The key question is whether Kido can use his technique to overcome the size disadvantage.
Terutsuyoshi, known for his forward-attacking sumo style, rose to the rank of Maegashira 3 using his speed. Though he retired from sumo in March 2024, the 29-year-old fighter’s passion for combat burns on. In September of the same year, he made his Ganryujima debut, winning by TKO in the second round.
Kido, famous for his diverse kicks and exceptional counters, made his mark in K-1 MAX. In 2008, he became the fourth K-1 MAX Japan champion alongside legends like Masato and Yoshihiro Sato. In 2017, he finished as the runner-up in the 2nd K-1 Super Welterweight Championship tournament.
At the press conference, where the two met for the first time, Kido humorously remarked on Terutsuyoshi’s much larger frame, exclaiming, “You’re huge!” during their face-off. Kido also jokingly requested, “No push-outs and ground techniques, please,” to which Terutsuyoshi grinned and replied, “I want to show just how far I can launch you.”
Will tomorrow finally, will Kido get thrown out of the ring, or will he land a high kick for the KO? Fans eagerly await this intriguing match.
Comments from Terutsuyoshi and Kido at the press conference:
Terutsuyoshi:
“I’m truly grateful to Kido for accepting the fight on such short notice, just six days before. I was worried when I didn’t have an opponent, but now I can fight, and I thank you for that. Let’s grab some chanko (sumo stew) after the fight.”
(Regarding Kido’s “no push-out” comment) “It’s all part of the excitement. I want to show how far I can throw him. I’ll do my best and give it my all.”
Kido:
“Seriously, I got the offer just six days ago! I went through hell last night. It felt like someone asking me on the street, ‘Hey, want to fight?’ Everything about this is new for me. I’ve never used open-finger gloves before. I just tried them on for the first time. I’ve never done grappling either. I’m claustrophobic—I tapped out just because Yachi got on top of me! There’s no way I’m winning by push-out. It’s impossible, no way.
If I lose by push-out or grappling, it won’t count on my record. But if I lose by punch, I’ll accept it. No push-outs, right? I’d like to win with stand-up techniques. If it goes to the ground, I’m done for. No push-outs, please. It’d just turn into a comedy sketch.”
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