December 11^th, 2024

On December 14^th, at Tokyo National Yoyogi Studium 1^st Gymnasium, Shota Yamaguchi (GENESIS/TEAM 3K) will face Claudio Istrate (Kombat Gym) in the quarterfinals of K-1 WORLD GP 2024 Openweight Tournament.

Yamaguchi initially failed to secure a spot in the main tournament. Despite performing well, he was knocked out by Errol Zimmerman during the K-1 WORLD GP 2024 Openweight Asia Qualifiers in October. However, when South Korea’s Kwon Jang Won withdrew due to illness, Yamaguchi was given a chance to come back.

Istrate is an Italian citizen originally from Romania. In September 2023, during the K-1 30^th Anniversary Openweight Tournament, he defeated Mahmoud Sattari by KO in the 1^st round. He advanced to the semifinals, where he won a chaotic fight against Sina Karimian, but he ultimately lost to Liu Ce in the final by KO, finishing as the runner-up.

In June 2024, Istrate competed in the Eastern European qualifiers but withdrew from the fight after disputing the judges’ decision in his opening-round bout against Nidal Bchiri. He then participated in the Asia qualifiers, where he had a rematch with Karimian. However, the fight ended in a no-contest due to an accidental punch to Karimian’s back of the head. The judges’ scores up to that point allowed Istrate to advance to the WORLD GP.

Shota Yamaguchi’s Pre-Fight Interview

— You’ve suddenly been called back into K-1 WORLD GP 2024 Openweight Tournament. This happened while you were preparing for a fight against Sina Karimian.

“When I got out of the bath after November’s Krush event in Nagoya, I received the offer. They told me a spot had opened up and asked me to step in. I’m not the type to turn the offer to fight in the world’s best tournament, but I also thought about refusing. I tried to find a reason to turn it down, but I couldn’t come up with any that I could accept.”

— So you initially considered refusing?

“Honestly, openweight is challenging when you think about height and weight differences. I was planning to drop back to cruiserweight (90kg), use Sina as a stepping stone, challenge Liu Ce for the title, and then take on openweight. That was my thought process.”

— Despite this, you shifted your mindset and decided to participate.

“When they said there was an openweight tournament, it ignited something in me. I wasn’t good at school, didn’t have a good upbringing. Karate was all I had. I’ve been dedicated to martial arts my entire life, and I couldn’t find a reason to decline.”

— As a karateka, this reflects the ‘Osu’ spirit, doesn’t it?

“I discussed with my juniors, and they said, ‘You’re not looking for reasons to refuse, you’re looking for reasons to go.’ I know logically I should have turned it down. My gymmates, family, and everyone told me, ‘This timing is risky. You should refuse.’ But I felt that if I ran away because my opponent was big, I’d regret it forever. I’m doing this to become stronger, and running away defeats the purpose.”

— So it’s about staying true to your principles.

“This is all I know how to do, so I don’t want to lie to myself.”

— What about your planned match against Karimian?

“Honestly, I can’t think about that right now. That fight was just a stepping stone, so I’ve put it out of my mind for now.”

— Istrate is a massive, powerful fighter.

“I’m Shota Yamaguchi, I’ll figure something out. Personally, I’m scared, but as someone who knows myself best, I trust that I’ll rise to the occasion in situations like this.”

— You believe in yourself.

“I trust myself more than anyone else. That won’t waver.”

— What’s your impression of Istrate as a fighter?

“He has strong punches and trains well. He also seems like a smart fighter. I think the key will be how well I can land my low kicks.”

— Karimian is a very different type of opponent compared to Istrate.

“I just have to do it. With enough determination and guts, anything is possible. It’s an unimaginable scenario, but that’s precisely where Shota Yamaguchi thrives. I’ve faced similar situations during my karate days and come through. I feel like I’m going to do something big.”

— You think you’ll pull off something big?

“If I were a manga protagonist, I’d face Errol Zimmerman in the finals, avenge my loss, and win the championship. I want to be the ultimate protagonist. I’m not a fan of being a side character or second-best.”

— Have you experienced similar moments in the past?

“When Kyokushin Karate turned 50, the JFKO tournament to unify the organisations was held. I was from a different school and became the first All-Japan champion in the heavyweight division in its history. If I could achieve that first in its 50-year history, I feel like I can do something similar in K-1. This time, I aim to be the first Japanese fighter to win the K-1 WORLD GP heavyweight division.”

— You’re enjoying this adversity.

“I’m excited. This is a manga, where I’m the protagonist and I’m both the reader and the author. As a reader, I’m thrilled. As the author, I’m nervous.”

— Since Istrate has history with Karimian, it would be interesting if Karimian were in your corner.

“That would be quite the twist. After I win, those two can settle things between themselves (laughs).”

— What are your thoughts on the semifinals and finals?

“I think the Chinese fighter who beat Liu Ce will make it to the semifinals. If this were a manga, Zimmerman would be my opponent in the finals. But if it’s K-Jee and I, a Japanese showdown would be great.”

— Have you thought about what’s next?

“If I win, I’d like a cruiserweight title match against Liu Ce. Tarzan has joined the cruiserweight division too, so I’m curious about that. But for now, none of that matters. I need to focus on beating Zimmerman. As a Karateka, I will become the 1st Japanese K-1 Openweight Tournament Champion.”