April 8, 2025

On April 7, K-1 announced in a press conference that K-1 will return to Kyushu with the event, K-1 DONTAKU in Fukuoka, Japan.

In the main event, Roel Mannaart will make the 2nd defence of his K-1 Heavyweight World Title against K-Jee, the 2nd K-1 Cruiserweight Champion.

Mannaart last competed in K-1 in 2019, when he successfully defended his title against Chris Bradford. Meanwhile, K-Jee scored a KO victory over Jérôme Le Banner at K-1 World GP 2024 in Osaka and qualified for K-1 World Grand Prix 2024 Final. He then lost to Errol Zimmerman in the quarterfinal of the tournament.

K-Jee’s Interview:

—What’s your mindset heading into the fight?
“I have a lot of thoughts, like ‘Oh, that guy’s still the champion?’ It’s been four years since his last fight, and he’s been fighting in other promotions like GLORY. What should I say…? Doesn’t that make you wonder?”

(Producer Miyata explained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mannaart’s title defenses were delayed.)

“I just want to do the job that’s given to me properly. I’ve always seen the K-1 belt as a symbol of being the strongest, and I’ve chased that dream. But right now, I don’t feel like the belt represents that strength. That’s why I want to take the belt and bring it back to the center of the world. That’s where I’m starting.”

—You lost due to injuries in the Openweight Tournament quarterfinals to Errol Zimmerman. Did you get to reflect on that?
“It’s over and done with, so there’s nothing I can do. The accident wasn’t due to a lack of preparation. I just wasn’t lucky. I think I need to work on attracting more good luck in my everyday life.”

—What’s your thought after watching the rest of the tournament?
“Just watching, I felt like I could’ve won it. But watching and actually doing it are different. Still, I felt like the belt was within reach.”

—What about your injuires?
“I’m fully recovered and training well.”

—When did you resume training?
“I started doing what I could right after the fight, and began striking training about a month and a half later.”

—This fight will be in your home region of Kyushu. How does that feel?
“Rather than receiving strength from the location, I want to give strength back. When I fight in Tokyo, there are fans who can’t make it to the events in Tokyo. So for them to experience K-1 live in person—I think it’s great. I’m happy to share something real, and I want to keep doing that.”

—Your impression of Mannaart?
“He’s not overwhelmingly strong in one area, but he’s skilled overall. He can trade strikes and has solid balance. A well-rounded fighter.”

—How did you feel when the offer came?
“I wondered, ‘Why me?’”

—Anything you’d like to say to Mannaart? Like why he didn’t defend his title?
“It’s in the past. I don’t really have anything to say about it.”

—The K-1 Heavyweight Title has history going back to the old K-1. What kind of champion do you want to be?
“To be honest, I’ve always admired the idea of winning a tournament to become champion. I want to be that kind of champion. Will there be an 8-man tournament every year?”

(Producer Miyata commented: “Ariel Machado is probably the most upset about this title fight happening. So K-Jee, go ahead and win the title and shake things up.”)

“Got it. I’ll become a champion I can be proud of, and I’ll bring the change.”

—Would you like to fight Machado?
“Yes, I want to fight strong opponents. I’d be happy to face him next. Or even Liu Ce. He’s in the cruiserweight division, but I’d take that fight too. I’m lighter than Liu, actually.”

—What’s essential to win in the heavyweight division?
“Being able to endure powerful strikes. If you can’t, you’ll get worn down. Once you’re used to it, it’s not so bad. In terms of speed and vision, I feel like I’m more mobile now, but the damage when you get hit is heavier.”

—How do you build that endurance?
“You’ve just got to spar with big guys.”

—Like Sina Karimian?
“Sina? No need to bring that up here.” (laughs)

—This will be K-1’s first event in Fukuoka in 3 years. You’ve fought in all 3 past Fukuoka events. Feeling any pressure?
“I didn’t feel any special pressure. I put the same energy into it as always. It’s just another part of what I do. I’m sure people in my hometown will just be happy to see me fight live.”

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Comments from Roel Mannaart:

“Hello every body. I’m happy to be back after a few years to defend my title. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m training hard to it and will be ready for it. K-Jee is a really strong fighter and he has good mentality and good heart. I’m happy to see all the fans again to defend my title and I’ll put on a good performance. Hope K-Jee will be fit and we’ll see each other on the July 13.”