Dec 01 The Fight Forecast: K-1 Final 8

Let the Final 8 begin! Severe kicking, heavy punching and spectacular finishes will get underway this Saturday, December 5th in Yokohama, Japan. this year's K-1 World Grand Prix Final 8 features a whose who list of stars in the K-1 organization. In bracket A, Badr Hari takes on Ruslan Karaev and Alistair Overeem looks to get past Ewerton Teixeira and in bracket B, Semmy Schilt will square off with Jerome Le Banner and last year's champ, Remy Bonjasky, will try to retain his title as he fights Errol Zimmerman.


Badr Hari vs. Ruslan Karaev

The rubber match between Morocco's "Bad Boy", Badr Hari, and Russia's, Ruslan Karaev, couldn't have come at a better time. Scoring the only TKO in this year's Final 16, Badr Hari is looking much more powerful, quick handed and mentally ready in 2009. Karaev showed he has the knock out power to take out the Moroccan. Ruslan was definitely a hard fought match up for Badr in the past, but their bout on Saturday will probably be quick and painful for Karaev. Badr has surpassed Karaev and it will be evident with the one-sided thrashing that awaits him.

Split Decision: Badr Hari by first round KO.



Alistair Overeem vs. Ewerton Teixeira

Following a conservative win in the Final 16, the K-1 Kyokushin kid, Ewerton Teixeira, will face his toughest test to date. Ewerton's hand was raised in a decision victory over, Singh Jaideep, to advance to the Final 8 last September. Not known for finishing his opponents, Ewerton will have to be aggressive and prepared to take risks if he intends on defeating Overeem. If not, Teixeira will most likely end up like K-1 legend "The Lumberjack" Peter Aerts, who was bullied, picked apart and broken by the "Demolition Man" in their Final 8 qualifier bout. One of the favourites to win it all, Alistair Overeem is in his prime and more confident in himself than ever. Overeem's clinch and knees will play a major role in the bout. If Alistair is able to effectively set up a combination from the clinch and unload a few knees, this will be a short one.

Split Decision: Overeem by second round TKO.


Semmy Schilt vs. Jerome Le Banner

Perhaps the most intriguing bout in the Final 8, the giant 6'11, Dutchman, Semmy Schilt, and the "Human Refrigerator", Jerome Le Banner, are no strangers to one another in K-1. Unfortunately for Jerome, all three of their meetings have gone to Schilt in one form or another. Le Banner will have to pressure the "Hightower" from the opening bell and chin check Schilt regularly. On the back of Le Banner's mind, will be the fight changing high knees of the Dutchman. With his massive size and reach, Schilt will try to keep the Frenchman at bay but Le Banner has a knack for muscling his way into enemy territory.

Split Decision: Jerome Le Banner by split decision for the upset.


Errol Zimmerman vs. Remy Bonjasky

Last year's K-1 World Grand Prix champion, Remy Bonjasky, will try to make it back-to-back since the last time he achieved this plateau in '03/'04. Standing in Remy's way is the young and heavy handed, Errol Zimmerman, who personally chose Bonjasky as his Final 8 opponent. Zimmerman's awesome power is a game changer and will keep any of his opponents on their toes and the same can be said about Bonjasky with his high flying and unique striking. Right now though, Remy is really the creme de la creme in K-1 and is in position to make another run at the championship. The outcome will be fairly clear cut.

Split Decision: Bonjasky by unanimous decision.

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