On December 15th, the day-after press conference for the K-1 WORLD GP 2024 in TOKYO took place. Ariel Machado, the winner of the K-1 WORLD GP 2024 Openweight Tournament attended the press conference.

Kacper Muszyński, who earned a KO victory over Valentin Mavrodin, Hiromi Wajima, who knocked down and defeated K-1 MAX world tournament champion, Stoyan Koprivyanski, and Chingiz Allazov, who served as the team director for Team Allazov attended the press conference.

Chingiz Allazov’s comments:

– Reflections on the previous day’s tournament:
“Yesterday, there were many good fights with good fighters. I want to congratulate Muszyński and Wajima on their wins. He defeating Stoyan was good; his has a good tactic, and it was a good fight.

As for my team, yesterday [they] did a good job. First fight, Danila Kvach had a big knockout [using] my style knockout, first round. He used left high kicks, and a backfist. Daniil Yermolenka also had a good fight, maybe next time we have a rematch. Thank you very much K-1 for the support.”

– Thoughts on the depth of the 70kg division:
“The 70kg division has many fighters in the world. This is a very competitive weight category. K-1 has good fighters—Kacper, Stoyan, and several Japanese fighters. The same goes for my sparring partner, Zhora Akopyan. I’m excited for the next year’s 8-fighter tournament. K-1 has a big job next year. K-1’s one-day tournament format has its pros and cons: only the strongest survive, but injuries can take a toll.”

– Could we see you compete in a tournament again?
“I can’t make any definitive statements, but if K-1 invites me, there’s a possibility of my return.”

– Final message:
“Muszyński and Wajima are both skilled and promising fighters. The 70kg division will see fierce battles ahead.”

Hiromi Wajima’s comments:

– Reflections on the previous day:
“I’m really happy that I won yesterday. There were doubts about my chances, and even Miyata-san admitted he thought I might lose (laughs). Still, I believed in myself and trained hard. I want to thank everyone who supported me. Moving forward, I’ll aim for the belt, so please continue to support me.”

– What if you were to face Allazov in the ring?
“Well… another tournament already? (laughs)”

(Allazov interjects)
“Facing Japanese fighters is always a fun learning experience. From what I’ve seen, Wajima is strong and smart, but I’m smarter, so I won’t lose. Especially mentally.”

(Wajima responds)
“If the match happens, I’ll work hard to come up with a strategy, so I’ll think about it when time comes.”

– Thoughts on next year’s MAX world tournament:
“I didn’t make it to the final this year, so I’m determined to reach the top next time.”

Kacper Muszyński

– Reflections on the previous day:
“I feel good. I did my job. I am healthy. I didn’t break anything this time. I proved that I am a good fighter. I hope the fans enjoyed the fight.”

– What if you were to face Allazov?
“I think at some points, everyone wants to fight with Chingiz. He’s the pound-for-pound number 1 fighter, so I don’t say no, I say absolutely ‘Yes!'”

– Thoughts on next year’s MAX world tournament:
“I’ll wait for the offer. What they’ll give me, I’ll consider it. Whether it’s at 70kg or 75kg, no problem. But we’ll have to look at the options.”