On May 31 (Saturday), Remi Parra (France / CARCHARIAS) will face Yuta Matsuyama (Japan / ALONZA ABLAZE) in the first round of the 6th K-1 WORLD GP Super Featherweight Championship Tournament at “K-1 BEYOND,” held at Yokohama Buntai.

Parra is a French offensive-style fighter and a two-division world champion, holding titles in both WAKO (-62kg) and IKBO (-60kg). He made his K-1 debut in December 2023, defeating Leona Pettas by decision with aggressive, forward-pressing attacks. Although he lost a decision to Hirotaka Asahisa in March 2024, he bounced back with two wins at the Night Of Champions 31 tournament in November and captured the ISKA World Super Lightweight Title by knocking out Lenny Blasi in March 2025.

Matsuyama, the 2020 K-1 Koshien -60kg Champion, went on a three-fight KO streak in 2023. In March 2024, he represented K-1 in a cross-promotional match with RISE and defeated Andrei Haraguchi. He scored another KO win against Naoki Yamamoto in July, but was knocked out by Tomoya Yokoyama in a Krush Super Featherweight title match in December.

Q: How did you feel when you received the offer to join the 6th K-1 WORLD GP Super Featherweight Championship Tournament?
Parra: “I was genuinely happy and honored. I felt like the time had finally come. Getting the opportunity to participate in the biggest tournament in this weight class is both exciting and an honor.”

Q: The tournament features a stacked lineup of 8 elite fighters from around the world, including yourself.
Parra: “It’s true that there are some very accomplished and tough fighters in the bracket. But I believe that on May 31, my fighting style will prove superior to theirs.”

Q: Your first-round opponent is Yuta Matsuyama. What is your impression of him?
Parra: “He’s a skilled fighter who has won several important matches. It’ll be a southpaw vs. southpaw matchup, and I think the crowd will be in for an explosive fight with great rhythm and pace.”

Q: Matsuyama is a protégé of Leona Pettas, someone you’ve already fought. Do you expect him to come in well-prepared with a strategy?
Parra: “Whether he’s Pettas’ junior or not doesn’t matter to me.”

Q: What kind of fight do you expect this to be?
Parra: “As always, my strategy is to finish the fight within the time limit and move on through the tournament in top condition.”

Q: You’re quite composed. Former champion Leona Pettas will be competing as a reserve fighter. Do you have anything to say to him?
Parra: “He no longer holds the belt, so I have no particular interest in him. The only thing I wanted from him was that title.”

Q: Hirotaka Asahisa, who you fought in March 2024, isn’t part of this tournament. Any thoughts on that loss or on him as a fighter?
Parra: “He’s a fantastic fighter—mentally strong and very respectful. I have no intention of denying his win. On that day, he was the better fighter. I take responsibility for not performing up to my own standards.”

Q: In March 2025, you knocked out Lenny Blasi and won the ISKA World Super Lightweight title. How do you reflect on that achievement?
Parra: “I’m very satisfied with capturing another belt—especially one as meaningful as the ISKA title. Lenny Blasi was a tough opponent, but I was able to take control, apply pressure, and finish the fight in the fourth round.”

Q: After becoming K-1 champion, what are your goals?
Parra: “I’d be interested in moving up to the 65kg division and challenging the current champion there. I also want to take on fighters the fans believe are strong.”

Q: What would you like Japanese fans to notice about you?
Parra: “I want them to feel how seriously I take this sport—my determination to win, my effort, and my humility.”

Q: That determination is coming through loud and clear.
Parra: “Winning this tournament could change my life. As a professional fighter, this is a must-win moment. I’ve taken time off work, added strength training to my regimen, and I’m doing everything I can to prepare—not just to participate, but to win.”

Q: Lastly, your message heading into the tournament.
Parra: “I can’t wait for May 31. It’s time for me to show the world who I really am. Last time in Japan ended in defeat, but this time I’m here to settle the score. I’m going to win this tournament. Look forward to a huge battle on May 31.”