January 24th, 2025

On Sunday, February 9, K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 will take place in Tokyo, Japan. The highly competitive 70kg K-1 super welterweight division is set to welcome another international star. Former Enfusion Super Featherweight (-67kg) World Champion Mohammed Boutasaa (Netherlands/Morocco/Southpaw Gym) will make his K-1 debut against Japan’s Riku (Japan/HIGHSPEED GYM). Ahead of his first K-1 appearance, Boutasaa shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview.

Boutasaa, a former Enfusion Super Featherweight (-67kg) World Champion, began competing in ONE Championship in 2022. That same year, he gained fame with a victory over Davit Kiria. Despite losses to Sitthichai and Mohammed Siasarani, he bounced back with three consecutive wins over Furkan Karabag, Dmitry Changelia, and James Kondé. In December 2024, he was scheduled to face Kaew Fairtex in Shoot Boxing but withdrew due to an injury. Now, fans are eagerly awaiting Boutasaa’s K-1 debut.

Riku, on the other hand, built his reputation in Shoot Boxing, a striking sport that incorporates throws and standing submissions. He made his K-1 Group debut at Krush in July 2023, knocking out karate fighter Naoki Morita with a right hook in the second round. In December, he made his K-1 debut, securing a decision victory over Abiral Himalayan Cheetah. Despite a TKO loss to Dengue Silva at the K-1 WORLD MAX 2024 -70kg World Championship Tournament in March, Riku regained momentum with a decision victory over Daisuke Fujimura in May. However, in August, he was defeated by Jinku Oda. He rebounded with a victory over Masashi Yamato at the Krush Nagoya event in November.

Exclusive Interview with Mohammed Boutasaa

– This will be your K-1 debut. What are your impressions of K-1, and do you have any fighters you admired?

“K-1 is an organization with the greatest legacy in kickboxing. When I was young, I watched fighters like Badr Hari and Semmy Schilt compete in K-1. Many other legendary fighters have also competed here, so it’s an honor to have the opportunity to fight on this platform. It’s a dream come true from my childhood.”

– So competing in K-1 has been a dream for you?

“Yes, receiving the fight offer felt like a dream coming true. I’m very happy. This will be my K-1 debut, and I’m planning to build my legacy here. I want to show the world that I’m the best.”

– What inspired you to start martial arts?

“I started kickboxing when I was 10 years old. One day, I happened to walk into a community center and came across the kickboxing class taught by my current trainer, Mo Ben Nasser. He invited me to join the next class, and I’ve been training ever since. It’s been 15 years now.”

– I see. What would you say are your biggest strengths or signature techniques? Could you tell us about any fights where you used them effectively?

“My strengths are my ability to maintain distance, my technical skills, and my sharpness that overwhelms opponents. I always stay calm and composed, reading my opponent’s movements while maintaining a full understanding of the fight. My motto is versatility. You can see it in my fights.”

– Your fights indeed show a high level of kicks and punches.

“Some fights focus on kicks, some on punches, and others on knees. This is because I analyze my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. My adaptability in fights, like a chameleon, comes from this process. I train daily to prepare for any situation.”

– You’ve competed in Enfusion as well as ONE Championship. Do you have any particularly memorable matches?

“Every fight has its own story, but the most memorable ones were when I fought legendary fighters like Davit Kiria and Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong at the age of 21. I learned a lot from those fights.”

– The K-1 WORLD MAX 2024 -70kg World Championship Tournament took place last year. Were there any matches or fighters that left an impression on you?

“No one in particular. I felt that many of them had strong punches, but their styles were quite similar. There weren’t any fighters with a style like mine. If this year’s tournament happens, keep an eye on my fights.”

– Your opponent, Riku, fought Dengue Silva in last year’s tournament. What are your impressions of him?

“Certainly, he’s a tough opponent. He’s young, eager to learn, and has high-level skills.”

– What kind of fight do you think it will be?

“I think this fight will push him to his limits. I recognize his past achievements, but he’s not on the same level as me.”

– What are your advantages over Riku?

“My height and reach—I’m 183cm tall—give me an advantage. Also, my experience is a significant strength.”

– You were scheduled to fight Kaew Fairtex in Shoot Boxing at the end of last year. Can you tell us why you withdrew from that fight?

“I had to withdraw because of an injury I sustained in my previous fight. Fortunately, I’ve fully recovered and am ready to give my all in the upcoming match.”

– Do you have a message for Riku?

“No matter how hard he trains, he should know that I’ve trained just as hard. And I’m confident that my preparation exceeds his level.”

– What are your goals for 2025, and do you have a message for Japanese fans?

“My goal for 2025 is to become the K-1 MAX 70kg Champion. I’m excited to show the Japanese fans my Moroccan fighting style. I want to deliver an explosive fight filled with action, speed, and power. Expect a KO!”

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Announced Bouts

[K-1 WORLD GP Super Lightweight Title Match]

• Yodkhunpon Weerasakreck vs. Hayato Suzuki

[K-1 WORLD GP Featherweight Title Match]

• Takumi Terada vs. Takahito Niimi

[K-1 WORLD GP Super Bantamweight Title Match]

• Akihiro Kaneko vs. Manolis Kallistis

[-77kg Catchweight]

• Shintaro Matsukura vs. Park Chungil

[K-1 Super Lightweight]

• Daizo Sasaki vs. Shu Inagaki

[K-1 Cruiserweight]

• Thian Tarzan vs. Carlos Budiao

[K-1 Super Welterweight]

• Mohammed Boutasaa vs. Riku

[K-1 Super Welterweight]

• Darryl Verdonk vs. Jomthong Strikergym

[K-1 Super Welterweight]

• Dengue Silva vs. Jinku Oda

[K-1 Super Welterweight]

• Abiral Himalayan Cheetah vs. Yasuhito Shirasu

[K-1 Super Lightweight]

• Viktor Akimov vs. Kensei Kondo

[K-1 Lightweight]

• Yuzuki Satomi vs. Tomas Aguirre

[K-1 Featherweight]

• Shoki Kaneda vs. Shuhei Kumura

[K-1 Featherweight]

• Ryota Ishida vs. Lyra Nagasaka

[K-1 Women’s Flyweight]

• Noriko Ikeuchi vs. Vesela Rogaska

[K-1 WORLD GP Women’s Atomweight Championship Tournament]

• Kira Matsutani vs. Mafia Petchmongkoldee
• Lucille vs. Aki Suematsu
• Jung Yujung vs. Hiyori Onishi

Preliminary Fights

[K-1 Lightweight]

• Akihiko Kawagoe vs. Hiroki Nakano

[K-1 Super Bantamweight]

• Ryuto Uchida vs. Daichi

[K-1 Super Bantamweight]

• Ryuki vs, Haruto

[K-1 Super Lightweight]

• Masato Ishikawa vs. Hayato Hamana

[-51kg Catchweight]

• Seri Okubo vs. Ryuki