February 23, 2026

On Monday, February 23, the winners of the “K-1 AWARDS 2025” were announced via the official K-1 YouTube channel and official social media platforms.

▼ “K-1 AWARDS 2025” Worldwide Simultaneous Broadcast Video

Until now, the K-1 AWARDS had been held as an in-person award ceremony bringing together related parties and fighters. However, in line with the “K-1 ReBIRTH” slogan, K-1 has been actively promoting global expansion since 2024, increasing the number of bouts featuring elite foreign fighters and expanding the number of overseas events. As a result, the awards have been reborn as a globally distributed video content broadcast simultaneously around the world.

The award winners of “K-1 AWARDS 2025” and the reasons for their selection are as follows:

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【Most Valuable Player (MVP)】

Jonas Salcicha

Selection Reason:
Salsicha fought a total of seven matches, including three bouts in the K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 -70kg South American Qualifying Tournament and four bouts in the K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 -70kg World Championship Tournament, winning all of them to claim the title. Emerging from a harsh training environment, he showed his true potential and delivered shocking knockouts in the world tournament final that embodied the spirit of K-1.

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【Best Bout Award】

Stoyan Koprivlenski vs. Darryl Verdonk

Eligible Match:
November 15, 2025 (Saturday)
K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 -70kg World Championship Tournament Final Round
Bout 12 / -70kg Tournament Semifinal

Selection Reason:
Stoyan Koprivlenski controlled the match perfectly for two rounds, but Darryl Verdonk, who never gave up, scored a dramatic comeback knockout victory. The high technical level and mental fortitude of both fighters turned the bout into a classic.

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【Best KO Award】

Thian Tarzan (vs. Mahmoud Sattari)

Eligible Match:
May 31, 2025 (Saturday)
K-1 BEYOND – Bout 16
5th K-1 WORLD GP Cruiserweight Title Match

Selection Reason:
Thian Tarzan, who entered the bout with 30 wins, 27 knockouts, and an undefeated record, was knocked down by Mahmoud Sattari’s right hook. Just when it seemed he was on the verge of being knocked out, he landed a left straight to secure a comeback knockout victory. The thrilling exchange of knockdowns in this heavyweight clash was worthy of the Best KO award.

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【Technical Excellence Award】

Remi Parra
Ouyan Feng

Selection Reasons:

(Remi Parra)
He dominated the 6th K-1 WORLD GP Super Featherweight Championship Tournament with three consecutive knockout victories to win the tournament.

(Ouyan Feng)
In the K-1 WORLD GP Super Welterweight Title Match, he engaged in a fierce first-round knockdown exchange with Darryl Verdonk, scored two knockdowns, and successfully defended his title.

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【Fighting Spirit Award】

Kira Matsutani
Issei Ishii

Selection Reasons:

(Kira Matsutani)
She won two bouts in the 3rd K-1 WORLD GP Women’s Atomweight Championship Tournament to finally capture the long-sought K-1 title. She also won her rematch against Suematsu.

(Issei Ishii)
He won his return bout to K-1 in July and went on to defeat Eito Kurokawa in a dramatic knockdown battle in November’s 2nd K-1 WORLD GP Bantamweight Championship bout, becoming the new champion.

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【Outstanding Performance Award】

Ariel Machado
Taio Asahisa

Selection Reasons:

(Ariel Machado)
He defeated champion Roel Mannaart by first-round knockout in the K-1 WORLD GP Heavyweight Title Match, capturing the title following his tournament success.

(Taio Asahisa)
After moving up to Lightweight and defeating Danila Kvach, he went on to defeat Shu Inagaki in November’s 8th K-1 WORLD GP Super Lightweight Championship bout, winning titles in two weight divisions.

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【K-1 Producer Genki Sudo Award】

Kamara Brothers (Alfousseynou Kamara, Alassane Kamara)

Selection Reason:
When Alfousseynou was forced to withdraw just before the bout due to an accident, Alassane stepped in on short notice, showcasing the bond between twins by entering the tournament. Their courage and the dramatic battle against Darryl Verdonk were highly praised. (Producer Sudo)

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【Best Gym Award】

Fight Team Ringer (Netherlands)

Selection Reason:
Their fighter Darryl Verdonk delivered a fierce battle against Ouyan Feng and advanced to the final of the K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 -70kg World Championship Tournament, demonstrating the gym’s ability to maximize his performance.

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【Krush Producer Mitsuru Miyata Award】

Kenshin Kodama
Haruto Matsumoto

Selection Reason:
“Normally, such awards go to champions at the top. However, I am drawn to fighters who lose at crucial moments but rise strongly from defeat. The way they lose and the way they win — that ‘good loser’ spirit — stayed with me in 2025. For that reason, I selected Kenshin Kodama and Haruto Matsumoto.” (Producer Miyata)

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【Krush Best Bout Award】

Ryuta Ishida vs. Haruto Matsumoto
(May 18, 2025 – Krush.174 in OSAKA – Krush Featherweight Title Match)

Selection Reason:
In Round 1, Matsumoto staggered Ishida with a left punch, but Ishida quickly scored a knockdown. In Round 2, Ishida secured two knockdowns to defend his title. Their technique, fighting spirit, and relentless pursuit of a finish made it Krush’s best bout of the year.

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【Krush Most Valuable Player (Krush MVP)】

Riamu

Selection Reason:
He successfully defended his title by defeating Koji Ikeda in March and Kengo Murata in November, demonstrating the dignity of a champion in both bouts.

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【M-1 Sports Media President Tomoha Ohki Award】

Kanata Ueno

Selection Reason:
“An undefeated 18-year-old prospect. In 2025, he also won in other organizations, proving K-1’s strength. As a symbol of the next generation of K-1, I selected Kanata Ueno with high expectations for his potential and growth.” (President Ohki)

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【Rookie of the Year】

Neigo Katono
Mona Kimura

Selection Reasons:

(Neigo Katono)
He won three bouts in the Krush Flyweight Tournament to become Krush Flyweight Champion. Despite having fewer than 10 professional fights, he captured the title undefeated.

(Mona Kimura)
She earned victories in January against Yuka☆ and in June against Ozawa. With only three career bouts, she has already demonstrated strength and influence recognized not only in Japan but worldwide.

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【Best Trainer Award】

Tercio Fernandes (Jonas Salcicha)

Selection Reason:
Together with Jonas Salcicha — who had been close friends with his son who passed away from illness last year — he achieved victory in the K-1 WORLD MAX tournament.

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【Best Girls Award】

Kaho Hagita

Selection Reason:
She set a new record with four consecutive years as a K-1 Girl and led the team as captain throughout the year. Her contribution in promoting K-1, including through social media, was highly valued.

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【Fan Choice Award】

Darryl Verdonk

Selection Reason:
In the quarterfinal of the K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 -70kg World Championship Tournament, his opponent changed at the last minute, yet he delivered a high-level performance. Despite suffering tournament damage and not being in perfect condition, he fought his way to the final and displayed unwavering fighting spirit worthy of praise.

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【Best Referee Award】

Orlando Rodrigues
(Main referee at the K-1 WORLD MAX 2025 Brazil event, June 28, 2025)

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【Lifetime Achievement Award】

Kento Ito
Daina

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【Best Amateur Gym Award】

K-1 Gym Wolf

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【K-1 Amateur Most Valuable Player (MVP)】

Tatsuomi Ishida (K-1 Gym Omiya)

■ Official Event Website
https://www.k-1.world/

■ About K-1
“K-1 WORLD GP” is a globally recognized striking martial arts organization featuring elite fighters across multiple weight divisions. The promotion is known for its championship title bouts and one-day tournaments that determine the strongest fighters in the world.