On May 31 (Saturday), at K-1 BEYOND held at Yokohama Buntai, Ouyang Feng (China / Tianjin Afu Fight Club / CFP) will defend his K-1 WORLD GP Super Welterweight Title against Darryl Verdonk (Netherlands / Fight Team Ringer).

Q: In January, you won the WLF MAX 70kg World Title Tournament by defeating Luo Chao and Han Wenbao in the final round. What was that experience like?
“A lot of pressure came with it, because everyone in WLF-MAX had fought each other more than four times, so we knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses inside out. On top of that, my first opponent Luo Chao was coached by my former coach, who knows everything about me in and out of the ring. But despite that, my team prepared even stronger strategies. I really enjoyed the six rounds leading to the final. The biggest takeaway was that I was able to perform everything I’d trained to do perfectly.”

Q: You were unable to compete in last year’s K-1 WORLD MAX tournament due to injury. How did you feel watching it?
“Because of the injury, I had to pull out, and Stoyan Koprivlenski entered in my place. He beat Buakaw in the first round, but I truly believe I had a strong chance to win. After all, I had drawn the lucky number one spot!”

Q: What was your impression of Stoyan, who went on to win the tournament?
“Stoyan is one of the top ten fighters in the world. He has a well-developed physique and really powerful strikes. But I also think his performances can be inconsistent, and his stamina tends to run out quickly.”

Q: Hiromi Wajima beat Stoyan by decision. What’s your take on the current state of the K-1 MAX 70kg division?
“Wajima is a former champion and still shows the strength of one. I want to congratulate him on regaining his confidence. While some fighters in this division might not be very famous yet, they’re all incredibly skilled. To become K-1 MAX 70kg champion, you need to be the most well-rounded, the most powerful, and above all, the one with the strongest heart.”

Q: What are your thoughts on the partnership between K-1 and WLF?
“K-1 and WLF are the two top stand-up fighting promotions in the world. Their collaboration could change the entire model of traditional combat sports events. By offering a stage for more fighters, stronger fighters, I believe we’ll see even better performances from them.”

Q: You’re set to defend your K-1 title against Darryl Verdonk. How did you feel when the offer came, and what’s your impression of him?
“I’ve watched all of Verdonk’s fights in K-1, and I’ve also seen him fight live. He’s got heavy, penetrating punches—he’s a classic European-style kickboxer.”

Q: What do you think are Verdonk’s strengths and your own advantages?
“Verdonk has youthful energy, boldness, and unpredictable tactics. My strengths are my experience from many fights, my ability to strike from all ranges with punches, kicks, and knees, and my versatility. I can adapt my style to suit the opponent.”

Q: What kind of fight do you think this will be?
“It’s been a while since I’ve stepped into the K-1 ring. I’ll fight like I always do and give fans in China and around the world an exciting match!”

Q: You have a lot of fans in Japan. What does their support mean to you?
“Their support means a lot. Having fans cheer me on in a foreign country really lifts my spirits and gives me more confidence in the ring. Thank you so much to all the fans!”

Q: K-1 and WLF’s 70kg divisions are considered the top of the world. Do you agree?
“I believe the champions in K-1 and WLF’s 70kg divisions are absolutely the strongest in the world. Fighters in other weight classes are also world-class, but I’m proud to compete on these two stages—because it’s where the toughest fighters from around the world gather.”

Q: Finally, please share your mindset going into this fight.
“This will be my return to K-1 after 14 months. I’ll stay in top condition until May 31 and deliver a perfect performance. I’ll show everyone an exciting fight and declare that Ouyang Feng is back in K-1!”