September 2, 2025

—The K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 -70kg World’s Strongest Tournament is being held again this year, starting with the opening round featuring 16 fighters. How did you feel when you received the offer to participate?
“I’m honored to be able to compete in K-1 WORLD MAX 2025. This is a new challenge for me once again!”

—Last year, you won your opening round fight but had to withdraw from the finals due to injury. So this tournament is something of a fresh start.
“Yes. In last year’s MAX tournament, I was only able to fight in the first round match in March. I won that fight, but unfortunately, I was injured just before the final tournament and had to pull out. It was a huge disappointment—but I’m making a comeback now and more determined than ever!”

—This year’s tournament features both returning stars and new fighters from around the world.
“Most of the entrants are new, and I’m not familiar with many of them. But I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of performances they’ll deliver in the ring.”

—In the opening round, you’re facing a top contender right from the start. What’s your impression of Kacper Muszynski?
“He’s a very strong and skilled fighter. His performances in the ring are excellent.”

—At the K-1 Beyond event in May, Muszynski publicly called you out. What were your thoughts at the time?
“After the fight, when he challenged me, I thought to myself, ‘No problem at all. I accept any challenge.’ I’m genuinely excited to face a strong opponent like him!”

—What did you think of Muszynski’s last fight against Chen Yonghui?
“To be honest, I don’t understand why that bout was contested at a 73kg catchweight… There was a clear size difference between them. That said, both fighters put on an excellent performance, and I think it turned into a really exciting fight for the fans.”

—Your match with Muszynski is being billed as a clash between tournament favorites.
“I’d agree with that. But honestly, every opening round match will be a brutal war. I believe the fans also understand how important this event is—after all, it’s a fight for a ticket to the final tournament.”

—What stands out to you about Muszynski as a fighter?
“He has incredible stamina and a powerful, durable body. That definitely gives him an edge over other fighters. But for me, that’s not a major concern.”

—Your fight against Darryl Verdonk in May turned into a fierce back-and-forth, with both of you scoring knockdowns. Looking back, how do you reflect on that match?
“In the second half of the fight, I focused on using the skills I’d honed through training and controlled the pace strategically. I believe it was my solid fundamentals and conditioning that ultimately led me to victory. Verdonk is a truly excellent fighter, and I sincerely wish him continued success in the future.”

—Without revealing too much, what themes or goals are you focusing on in preparation for your next fight?
“I’m working on sharpening my own strengths while also analyzing my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses from a technical standpoint.”

—Finally, do you have a message for your fans in Japan?
“To all the K-1 fans in Japan—hello! Thank you so much for always supporting and encouraging me. Ouyang Feng is back in the K-1 MAX ring, and I’ll be fighting with everything I’ve got to deliver an exciting performance for you all!”

—The K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 -70kg World’s Strongest Tournament is being held again this year, starting with the opening round featuring 16 fighters. How did you feel when you received the offer to participate?
“I’m honored to be able to compete in K-1 WORLD MAX 2025. This is a new challenge for me once again!”

—Last year, you won your opening round fight but had to withdraw from the finals due to injury. So this is something of a fresh start.
“Yes. In last year’s MAX tournament, I was only able to fight in the first round match in March. I won that fight, but unfortunately, I was injured just before the final tournament and had to pull out. It was a huge disappointment—but I’m back now, stronger and more determined than ever!”

—This year’s tournament features both returning stars and new fighters from around the world.
“Most of the entrants are new, and I’m not familiar with many of them. But I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of performances they’ll deliver in the ring.”

—In the opening round, you’re facing a top contender right from the start. What’s your impression of Kacper Muszynski?
“He’s a very strong and skilled fighter. His performances in the ring are excellent.”

—At the K-1 Yokohama event in May, Muszynski publicly called you out. What were your thoughts at the time?
“After the fight, when he challenged me, I thought to myself, ‘No problem at all. I’ll take on anyone who wants to challenge me.’ I’m genuinely excited to face a strong opponent like him!”

—What did you think of Muszynski’s last fight against Chen Yonghui?
“To be honest, I don’t understand why that bout was contested at a 73kg catchweight… There was a clear size difference between them. That said, both fighters put on an excellent performance, and I think it turned into a really exciting fight for the fans.”

—Your match with Muszynski is being billed as a clash between tournament favorites.
“I’d agree with that. But honestly, every opening round match will be a brutal war. I believe the fans also understand how important this event is—after all, it’s a fight for a ticket to the final tournament.”

—What stands out to you about Muszynski as a fighter?
“He has incredible stamina and a powerful, durable body. That definitely gives him an edge over other fighters. But for me, that’s not a major concern.”

—Your fight against Darryl Verdonk in May turned into a fierce back-and-forth, with both of you scoring knockdowns. Looking back, how do you reflect on that match?
“In the second half of the fight, I focused on using the skills I’d honed through training and controlled the pace strategically. I believe it was my solid fundamentals and conditioning that ultimately led me to victory. Verdonk is a truly excellent fighter, and I sincerely wish him continued success in the future.”

—Without revealing too much, what themes or goals are you focusing on in preparation for your next fight?
“I’m working on sharpening my own strengths while also analyzing my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses from a technical standpoint.”

—Finally, do you have a message for your fans in Japan?
“To all the K-1 fans in Japan—hello! Thank you so much for always supporting and encouraging me. Ouyan Feng is back in the K-1 MAX ring, and I’ll be fighting with everything I’ve got to deliver an exciting performance for you all!”