Karimian Declares: ‘No one is on my level’

---

September 9th, Tokyo—On the eve of the “ReBOOT ~ K-1 ReBIRTH” event, a public weigh-in and pre-event press conference were held. The final part featured the eight participants in the open-weight tournament. Aside from Mahmoud Sattari and Karimian, all are making their debut in Japan—mirroring K-1’s beginnings 30 years ago in 1993 with a lineup of relatively unknown, but strong, competitors. Just who will conquer this grueling, one-day tournament?

Comments from the eight participants came in the order of their match-ups:

Mahmoud Sattari (Iran/TEAM ŌTA)

“I’m happy to be back. Mentally and physically, I feel great. I want to show the excitement of K-1. Everyone here has a reason to be here. My opponent is also a strong fighter. Once we step into the ring, it’s all about winning. The better-prepared person will win. Size doesn’t matter. I believe in my skills and abilities. Regarding fighting Karimian, if we both advance, it’ll happen.”

Claudio Istrate (Italy/Kombat Gym)

“I’m not one to talk much before a fight. God only knows who will win. I know my opponent has a lot of experience, but I’m not underestimating anyone. I’ve trained hard for this.”

---

Sina Karimian　 (Iran/SINA ARMY)

“I’m looking forward to another title. I want to be the first fighter in K-1 history to conquer two weight classes. I don’t have much to say about my opponent, but I want to show everything tomorrow. I’ve been training every day since my surgery seven months ago, and no one here is on my level. I became a champion after winning three fights in one day five years ago. I don’t know what the next fight will bring, but I’ve gained 5kg leading up to this tournament. I want to prove that I’m a real champion, not just an SNS champion.”

Kerim Jemai (Germany/ZAM-ZAM Ulm)

“Hello everyone (he said in Japanese). I’m happy to be here. Everyone is strong and ready to fight. I want to win and take the title back to Germany. I have thoughts about my opponent, but I’ll show them in the ring tomorrow.

Michal Turynski (Poland/HW LOW-KICK)

“I’ve trained in this world for 20 years and dreamt of fighting in Japan. My drive to win is strong. I want to be victorious.”

Ariel Machado (Brazil/Hemmers Gym/Madison Team)

“I’m very happy to be here. I grew up watching K-1, and want to thank everyone involved for inviting me to this event. I felt the strong motivation of my opponent when we were face to face. Tomorrow’s fight won’t be easy, but I’m confident that I will win.”

Valentin Bordianu (Romania/Catalin Morosanu Academy)

“I’m thankful to participate in a big event. I want to advance and win. I never study my opponents. I will show up tomorrow and do what needs to be done.”

Ryuu Tsa (China/Tangshan WLF Fight Club/CFP)

“I’m happy to be in this openweight tournament. Wei Lui, my mentor and someone I respect, was victorious in the K-1 lightweight tournament in 2017. I want to live up to his name. My impression upon meeting my opponent is that he’s tall and very heavy. He was also respectful when we met.”