K-1 World Grand Prix has just confirmed six additional matchups for K-1 ReBIRTH 2 on Dec. 9. Previously we had known four bouts, including three title matchups. K-1 Kickboxing has added even more action going down from Osaka, Japan.
Matches added to K-1 ReBIRTH 2
All of the following kickboxing matchups were confirmed by K-1’s social media team.
Akihiro Kaneko vs. Lan Shanteng
Japan’s Akihiro Kaneko is the current reigning K-1 super bantamweight world champion, who just defended his crown in a trilogy match against Masashi Kumura. He is one of the most highly regarded active kickboxers today. His title will not be on the line in the upcoming bout on Dec. 9.
Lan Shanteng, of China, is a fighter with much experience between both kickboxing and Muay Thai. While he is making his debut in K-1, this 19-year-old athlete has picked up numerous titles throughout his career including in Wu Lin Feng, among others.
Liu Ce vs. Tanigawa Seiya
China’s Liu Ce shocked the world as he captured the Openweight Grand Prix world title earlier this year, each win coming by way of knockout. This athlete will look to continue his knockout win streak at K-1 ReBIRTH 2.
Seiya Tanikawa is a former heavyweight kickboxing in Japan with experience against some of the biggest fighters in the organization. He is coming off of a win in his most recent bout and will be a test for Liu Ce.
Yuto Shinohara vs. Tatsuya Oiwa
The 2018 Krush super lightweight champion Yuto Shinohara will look to extend his win streak at K-1 ReBIRTH 2. Japan’s Tatsuya Oiwa is a 31-year-old striker who is a veteran in the kickboxing ring. Oiwa, inspired by Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, is marked by the chained necklace he wears to the ring.
Kaito vs. Hide Usami Mason
“Swift Keju” Kaito is a veteran striker in K-1 Kickboxing, and he is coming off a first-round knockout win. Canadian-Japanese striker Hide Usami Mason will be making his K-1 debut after earning an intercontinental ISKA championship.
Abiral Ghimire vs. Riku
The Japanese-born striker Riku is coming off of a knockout victory from earlier this year and will be looking to add more on Dec 9. But standing in his way is “the “A Genius Born in Nepal” Abiral Ghimire. This will be a super welterweight matchup booked at 70 kg.
Jomthong Strikergym vs. Riki Matsuoka
K-1 ReBIRTH 2 will also see the welterweight showdown between Jomthong Strikergym and Riki Matsuoka. Thailand’s Jomthong Chuwattana is a highly experienced striker between Muay Thai and kickboxing, having over 250 professional bouts to his name. Jomthong has collected numerous titles Rajadamnern Stadium and WBC Muay Thai.
It will be a test of Japan’s Riki Matsuoka to try and overcome the striking skills of Jomthong. Matsuoka is a former Krush welterweight titleholder and is coming off a win against Kaito from earlier this year.
The entire Dec. 9 card of K-1 ReBIRTH 2 is shaping up to be an all-action showdown live from Osaka, Japan.