December 12^nd, 2024

Errol Zimmerman (Curaçao/Hemmers Gym) will face K-Jee (Japan/K-1 Gym Fukuoka Team Beginning) in the quarterfinals of the K-1 WORLD GP 2024 Openweight Tournament on December 14^th at Tokyo National Yoyogi Studium 1^st Gymnasium.

Zimmerman, a Dutch heavyweight legend of Curaçaoan ancestry from the old K-1 era, earned the nickname “Bone Crusher” for fracturing opponents’ arms and skulls in his fights. In Japan, he’s affectionately called “Erojiman,” a shortened version of his real name. After 14 years, he returned to K-1 in June 2024 at K-1 Fighting Network Romania 2024, defeating Greece’s Michail Karamousketas via first-round KO. In October, he knocked out Shota Yamaguchi in the K-1 WORLD GP 2024 Openweight Asia Qualifiers to secure his spot in the tournament.

Meanwhie, K-Jee won the inaugural Krush Cruiserweight Championship Tournament in January 2019. He later seized the K-1 Cruiserweight title in November 2020 by defeating reigning champion Sina Karimian with a spectacular KO. In September 2023, he lost via KO to former Kyokushin World Champion Mikio Ueda. In March 2024, he suffered a decision loss to Mattia Faraoni in Italy. In October 2024, at the K-1 WORLD GP 2024 Openweight Asian Qualifiers, K-Jee earned his place to the final by delivering a stunning KO via high kick against legendary Jérôme Le Banner.

Errol Zimmerman’s Pre-fight Interview

—In the Asia Qualifiers, you fought in Japan for the first time in 14 years. How did it feel?
“I was really happy that I got to return to Japan. This is where my journey as a fighter started. So coming back to K-1 was like coming home. Last time was Osaka, and now I can’t wait to fight in Tokyo.”

—You seem to have fond memories of Tokyo.
“Absolutely. Sushi, Roppongi, and even going wild with my Golden Glory teammates at the hotel. All great memories!”

—In the Asia Qualifiers, you faced Shota Yamaguchi. How did you assess your performance? Did you gain any insights?
“It was an amazing first fight back in Japan. My opponent was a fierce lion, but I’m the bigger, stronger lion. What I learned is that I’m still hungry!”

—What was effective about your team’s strategy for the Yamaguchi’s fight?
“My team came up with an incredible plan. We don’t just discuss strategies—we demonstrate them, and it worked perfectly. I can’t share the details, but the idea was always to act and keep moving.”

—For your quarterfinal match, you specifically chose K-Jee as your opponent. What are your thoughts about this fight?
“The reason I chose K-Jee is because of Jérôme Le Banner, the K-1 legend. We’re the oldest fighters, but I have tremendous respect for Jérôme. K-Jee knocked him out, and I can’t forgive him. After the fight, I went to the locker room to console Jérôme and promised, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take him down for you.’ I really said that—feel free to ask him.”

—You seem deeply connected to Le Banner.
“Le Banner is a K-1 legend. Out of respect for him, I want to win this fight for him. Of course, I’m also fighting to prove how strong I am in this tournament.”

—What’s your assessment of the high kick K-Jee used to defeat Le Banner?
“It was certainly a great kick with perfect timing—I’ll give him that. But it won’t work on me.”

—How do you plan to defeat K-Jee?
“The same way he defeated Le Banner.”

—With a high kick?
“Exactly.”

—In the semifinals, you’ll face the winner of Rhys Brudenell versus Ariel Machado. Who do you think will win?
“I don’t care about that. I’m not thinking about the semifinals. My focus is on the match in front of me—knocking out K-Jee. I’ll think about what’s next after avenging Le Banner.”

—Who do you predict will make it to the finals?
“Like I said, I don’t care. Whoever wins doesn’t matter to me. Whoever it is, I’ll take them down. I’ll fight my way and stay strong as always. No one can stop me.”

—After winning this WORLD GP openweight tournament, what are your goals for next year?
“I’ll defend the K-1 belt. That’s all.”

—Finally, do you have a message for the fans?
“KO, KO, KO, just KO!! Come and watch!”