On May 31 (Saturday), at the “K-1 BEYOND” event held at Yokohama Buntai, Ali Laamari (Spain / Team Jesus Cabello) will face Chihiro Nakajima (Japan / POWER OF DREAM) in the first round of the 6th K-1 WORLD GP Super Featherweight Title Tournament. Laamari recently spoke in an interview about his thoughts ahead of the bout.

Ali Laamari is the Rising Star of Spain and the current ISKA Intercontinental Champion. Standing 178cm tall and fighting as a southpaw, he is known for his no-telegraph short straight punches, explosive right hooks, and powerful mid kicks. Despite being a bit raw, his aggressive fighting style and relentless pressure make him an exciting fighter to watch.

Nakajima became the 10th Krush Super Featherweight Champion in January 2022, defeating Yutaka in the semifinals and Tomoya Yokoyama in the finals of the title tournament. Although he lost to Shootboxing Champion Yuki Kasahara at “THE MATCH 2022” in June, he successfully defended his Krush title in December, defeating Narufumi Nishimoto. In September 2023, he lost his belt in a decision loss to Naoki Takahashi but rebounded with a decision win over Yuta Murakoshi in September 2024. In December 2024, he won a close extension round decision against Daniil Yermolenka, a prospect sent by Chingiz Allazov.

Interview Highlights:

Q: How did you feel when you received the offer to participate in the K-1 WORLD GP Super Featherweight Tournament?
Laamari: “I was very excited. It was a moment I had dreamed of for a long time. My teammates, like Cristina Morales, Alejandro Rivas, and Jorge Varela, often shared their experiences competing in K-1, and it inspired me. I always wanted to challenge myself in K-1. This opportunity is not just important for me as a fighter, but also for my coach.”

Q: What kind of impression do you have of K-1?
Laamari: “I have a very positive impression. I believe I can win, and whenever I step into the ring, it’s always to win.”

Q: How did you start martial arts, and what motivated you to become a professional fighter?
Laamari: “I started training at the Team Jesus Cabello gym when I was a child. My father encouraged me, and with my family’s support, I was able to keep going. I originally took up kickboxing to stand up to bullying at school.”

Q: Do you have a most memorable fight?
Laamari: “Every fight is my best fight. I’m always moving forward, so each match feels like my best bout.”

Q: What do you think sets you apart from the other fighters in this tournament?
Laamari: “I have a lot of respect for fighters like Remi Parra from France and Leona Pettas, who is in the reserve fight. I believe my greatest strength is my flexibility in tactics and my strong mentality.”

Q: What impression do you have of your first-round opponent, Chihiro Nakajima?
Laamari: “I have a deep respect for Nakajima. However, once we step into the ring, respect and friendship no longer matter. I expect it to be a technical battle.”

Q: How would you describe your fighting style and best techniques?
Laamari: “My style is ‘smart and flexible.’ I can switch between southpaw and orthodox, and I can use both punches and kicks depending on the situation. My versatility in tactics is my biggest weapon.”

Q: What are your goals after becoming a K-1 champion?
Laamari: “I want to become a regular fighter in K-1 Japan. It’s my favorite stage in the world.”

Q: What do you want the Japanese fans to see in you?
Laamari: “I want them to feel my passion and effort in the ring, and to sense the soul of a fighter.”

Q: Finally, what is your message as you head into this tournament?
Laamari: “I want to win the tournament and show the world who I am. I’m not just here to participate – I’m ready to make my mark in K-1.”