October 14, 2025

On Friday, October 10, a press conference held in Tokyo announced additional matchups for the K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 Final Round, taking place on Saturday, November 15. K-1 Woman’s Flyweight champion SAHO participated in the press conference.

K-1 Champion SAHO’s interview:

—Your thoughts going into this fight?
“It’s another title match, but I honestly don’t feel like I’ll lose. I’m going to defend my title and end the year strong.”

—What’s your impression of your opponent?
“She’s strong, so I’m excited that I’ll have a great fight for the first time in a while.”

—Sofia became Krush champion by defeating Noriko Ikeuchi. What did you think of that fight?

“Personally, I thought Ikeuchi would win. I didn’t know anything about Sofia before the fight. But when I saw her, I thought, ‘Okay, she’s strong and powerful.’ Still, K-1 isn’t that easy. I appreciate her challenge, and I know she has tons of amateur experience, but as long as I hold this belt, it’s not something you can take that easily. I’ll make sure she understands that.”

—How do you reflect on your last title defense?
“Winning was the minimum requirement, so I’m glad I did that—but for me, the goal is always to finish my opponent. That’s what I’m aiming for again this time. To knock people out, you just have to train. So I’m working hard towards November to become a fighter who can get finishes faster.”

—What’s the key to scoring a knockout?
“Relaxation. If I can stay loose and land clean, I think I can knock her out.”

—She’s expected to come forward aggressively.
“If she comes to brawl, I’ll fight back. I think she’s got some power, sure—but I don’t feel like I’ll lose at all. If she wants to trade shots, I’m happy to go toe-to-toe and put on an exciting fight.”

—Why do you think Ikeuchi lost to her?
“Because the opponent was stronger. If Ikeuchi still wanted to challenge me even after losing, maybe I’d think she’s still a serious contender. But since she stopped mentioning my name after the loss, I guess that’s her level. I’m not even thinking about her anymore. Sofia’s the Krush champion now, and I’ll prove I’m the stronger one by beating her.”

—Are you planning to train at other gyms?
“Yes, I’ve already talked to my head coach about it. I’ll be training at other gyms.”

—What’s the theme or goal for this fight?
“To win decisively. She got the Krush belt in just her third pro fight, while it took me about two years to reach a K-1 title match. I don’t like that someone with only three fights gets a shot this easily. I came to K-1 with real commitment—and in this weight class, I don’t think we’re even on the same level. I’ll win clearly and prove I’m the stronger fighter.”

—Did you spot any weaknesses in her last fight?
“I always work with my coach to strategize. We come up with plans and I execute them. But yes, I know her weaknesses, and I’m training specifically to exploit them.”

—She’s the type to start strong right from Round 1.
“If I can, I’m aiming to finish her in Round 1. That would be more exciting, wouldn’t it? I want the knockout, so I’m planning to go for it from the opening round.”

—Your teammate recently became a champion. How does that motivate you?
“It really shows that training doesn’t lie. What we teach at the gym leads to champions. I think my teammates are watching how I carry myself, and that’s producing results. But I know I have to lead from the front and prove it first.”