10.5.2024

In a highly anticipated bout, Brazil’s Dengue Silva (49 fights, 44 wins (24 KOs), 5 losses) faced off against Jordann Pikeur (60 fights, 48 wins (22 KOs), 9 losses, 1 draw) from Mike’s Gym at the K-1 World GP 2024 in Osaka. Dengue Silva, known for his icy focus and dynamic fight style, came into this match looking to rebound after his recent loss, while Pikeur, under the guidance of renowned coach Mike Pessinier, was eager to assert himself in the ring. The clash was set to test both fighters’ technical prowess and endurance, with Pikeur’s aggression pitted against Dengue’s counter-fighting style.

Round 1
Dengue Silva waited patiently in the center of the ring, his eyes locked on Pikeur, who took his time entering, receiving final words from coach Mike Pessinier. Once the fight began, Dengue immediately threw a heavy roundhouse kick from his right leg, while Pikeur used front leg feints and low kicks to maintain distance. The first few moments were a cautious exchange as both fighters gauged range. Dengue connected more frequently with his hands, while Pikeur’s low kicks attempted to create openings. Dengue’s counters were precise, and toward the end of the round, he cornered Pikeur and launched a flurry of inside thigh kicks and knees. Both fighters traded blows but neither landed anything decisive before the round ended.

Round 2
In the second round, Pikeur relied on his front kicks to keep Dengue at bay, while Dengue switched to a southpaw stance, using his range to land inside thigh kicks and keep Pikeur on the outside. Dengue’s strikes to the midsection and head connected more often, and he danced out of range when Pikeur tried to close the distance. Dengue fought more cautiously than in previous fights, likely aware of his recent loss to Mike’s Gym’s Stoyan Koprivlenski. Midway through the round, Dengue landed a series of hooks and knees, clearly racking up points. Pikeur struggled to get inside Dengue’s reach, and though he remained aggressive, Dengue’s height advantage and effective jabs kept him in control. The round ended with Dengue launching a flying roundhouse kick as both fighters smiled and returned to their corners.

Round 3:
Pikeur came out more aggressive in the third round, aware that he might be behind on points. While Dengue had landed cleaner counters earlier, Pikeur’s determination started to shift the momentum. Dengue connected with a series of punches, but Pikeur’s persistence allowed him to land a right cross and hook that forced Dengue into the corner. At the two-minute mark, both fighters fell to the canvas, with Dengue appearing to be in pain. After a brief break, Dengue agreed to continue, though clearly frustrated. As the round progressed, Dengue’s counters remained sharp, but Pikeur’s inside thigh kicks and pressure began to wear Dengue down. Both fighters raised their hands at the end of the round, leaving the decision to the judges.

The judges’ scorecards reflected a split result: one judge favored Dengue Silva, while the other two scored it a draw. As a result, the fight went into an extra round, with both fighters needing to prove themselves once more.

Extra Round:
As the round began, Dengue shifted to a more aggressive approach, aiming for the body and relying on his boxing, while Pikeur countered with kicks. Dengue landed combinations of left crosses, uppercuts, and even attempted a jumping knee, though it didn’t connect. Dengue received a caution for holding, as the judges emphasized K-1’s focus on continuous aggression. Pikeur used a series of heavy overhand rights to push Dengue back into the corner, then connecting with a stiff jab, knocking the taller fighter down with at the 1’40” mark in the round. Dengue, clearly fatigued, found himself under increasing pressure, with Pikeur landing a few flashy techniques, including a big right hand and a spinning heel kick to Dengue’s head. By the end of the round, the Brazilian fighter appeared exhausted and he was unable to find an answer to Pikeur’s attacks.

The judges ruled in favor of Pikeur, 3-0, giving the Dutch fighter the win after 4 rounds.