10.5.2024

SAHO, the 3rd K-1 World GP Women’s Flyweight Champion, entered the ring with a record of 17 wins (1 KO) and 2 losses. Renowned for her hard-hitting counterattacks, she dominated her previous title bout against Antonia Prifti. Her opponent, Erivan Barut, came in from Turkey with 5 wins (2 KOs) as the WAKO-PRO Women’s Super Flyweight (-50kg) World Champion. Barut’s aggressive style and knockout power made her a formidable challenger, though adapting to K-1’s rules in her debut posed a significant challenge.

Round 1: SAHO surprised many by abandoning her usual counterattacking style, opting for a more aggressive approach from the start. She favored punches, while Barut attempted to find openings with low kicks and her right hook. A knockdown at the 1:45 mark was ruled against Barut, who protested it as a slip. Throughout the round, Barut struggled to establish her rhythm as SAHO’s forward pressure kept her off balance, signaling a shift in the champion’s usual strategy.

Round 2: SAHO adjusted her tactics, incorporating low kicks and knees to control the distance and neutralize Barut’s advances. She dominated the clinch, exploiting K-1’s rules to land effective knees, while Barut’s attempts to counter with her own low kicks were largely ineffective. Barut’s difficulty in adapting to the clinch led to a warning for excessive holding as SAHO maintained control and dictated the pace.

Round 3: SAHO’s power was undeniable as her strikes landed with force, forcing Barut to retreat and fight more cautiously. However, Barut couldn’t escape SAHO’s relentless attacks. Midway through the round, SAHO trapped Barut against the ropes and unleashed a barrage of punches, overwhelming her opponent. As Barut’s technique faltered under pressure, SAHO continued to dominate the exchanges, particularly with her hands. The fight concluded with a unanimous 3-0 decision in favor of SAHO, who cemented her superiority and left no doubt about her dominance.