2024.09.25

Can Pinar, a rising star from the world-renowned champion factory Mike’s Gym, makes his much-anticipated K-1 debut at the K-1 WORLD MAX 2024, held at the Yoyogi National Stadium, 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo on Sunday, September 29th. In the opening round of the 8-man, one-day tournament to crown the 7th K-1 WORLD GP Super Lightweight Champion, Pinar will face Thailand’s Yodkhunpon Weerasakreck (Weerasakreck Fairtex Gym).

Mike’s Gym where Pinar trains in the Netherlands has produced fighters like Jordann Pikeur and Stoyan Koprivlenski. Yuki Yoza, the 6th K-1 Lightweight Champion who trained at Mike’s Gym in February 2023, named Pinar as one of the most promising fighters he has yet to encounter−making Pinar a potential dark horse in this tournament.

Yodkhunpon, Pinar’s opponent from Thailand, also has quite the impressive resume. He made a name for himself at the Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadiums before winning the GLORY -70kg tournament in 2014. While Yodkhunpon was set to face Masaaki Noiri in a K-1 Super Fight in January 2021, the match was canceled due to complications related to the pandemic. In 2023, he advanced to the finals of the 8-man Welterweight Championship league in RWS (Rajadamnern World Series) held in Thailand.

—When did you start training in martial arts?

“My father was a big Bruce Lee fan, and that inspired me to start kickboxing at 13. I’ve been training for about 11 years now.”

—What’s your impression of K-1?

“I grew up watching the old K-1. I admired fighters like Badr Hari and Gökhan Saki and I have vivid memories of watching Semmy Schilt and Ernesto Hoost. With Jordann and Stoyan competing in K-1, I’ve been following it closely these days, as well.”

—How does it feel to compete in K-1?

“K-1 is a globally recognized brand, so it’s a huge honor to be part of it. I’m proud to call myself a K-1 fighter and can’t wait to show my skills to the Japanese fans.”

—What’s your specialty in the ring?

“My low kicks. Watch how I close the distance and land them. I’m also confident in my stamina and my refusal to give up.”

—You mentioned Bruce Lee. What influence has he had on your style?

“His relentless spirit, and the way he would knock down his opponents, one after another, have influenced me. Mike’s Gym pushes me to my limits, which has become another one of my strengths.”

—Are there any fighters in the tournament you’re focusing on?

“No. I’m just focused on myself right now.”

—What’s your impression of your first-round opponent, Yodkhunpon?

“He’s very aggressive and is a great counter fighter. This is my first time encountering a Thai fighter, so I can’t say much about my strategy yet, but the plan is to fight my own fight.”

—Have your teammates Jordann Pikeur or Stoyan Koprivlenski given you any advice?

“They both told me the same thing: ‘Attack first and apply pressure. If you fight like that, the Japanese fans will support you.’ At Mike’s Gym, we never give up—ever.”

—I heard you sparred with Yuki Yoza. Can you tell us about that?

“Of course! He’s an excellent fighter with a constant attacking style. I learned a lot from him about what it means to be a K-1 fighter. I’m looking forward to seeing him again in Japan.”

—Has Coach Mike given you any advice?

“He told me to control the fight and never back down.”

—What’s the key to winning a one-day tournament?

“Focus on each fight, one at a time, and give it everything you’ve got. If you start thinking about the next fight, you’ll slip up. Concentrating on the fight in front of you is crucial. I’ll worry about the next fight after winning.”

—Finally, any message for the fans about the tournament?

“I’m going to prove that I’m the strongest in the 65kg division by winning this tournament and make my name one that everyone around the world recognizes.”