During a recent press conference for Rizin 42, the exciting announcement of an upcoming kickboxing fight between two notable fighters was made. The match will see the legendary Muay Thai kickboxer, Buakaw, take on the former K-1 super lightweight champion, Rukiya Anpo. This clash of styles and generations is sure to draw the attention of fans around the world, eager to see how the fighters’ skills and experience will fare against one another.
Nobuyuki Sakakibara, the CEO of Rizin, spoke about Buakaw during a press conference, “I flew to Thailand to meet with [him]. We’re both under the same impression that we will be working together in a long run.”
Buakaw Banchamek, also known as Sombat Banchamek, is a Thai professional kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, with a record of 238 wins, 24 losses, and 12 draws in his professional career. The 40-year-old veteran has been competing at the highest level for over two decades and continues to be a dominant force in the sport.
Buakaw’s most recent victory came in the form of a knockout win in a bare-knuckle fight at BKFC Thailand 3. He signed with the league in late 2021 and has quickly established himself as one of its top fighters. Despite his age, Buakaw remains incredibly active, competing in both kickboxing and Muay Thai fights. He has also fought in shootboxing, a hybrid combat sport that combines elements of kickboxing and wrestling.
Buakaw’s achievements in the sport of kickboxing are numerous. He is a two-time K-1 World MAX Champion, winning the prestigious title in 2004 and 2006. He has also won the Thai Fight tournament four times, the S-1 World Championship twice, and the WMC World Championship three times.
In addition to his kickboxing accomplishments, Buakaw is a former Lumpinee Stadium champion in Muay Thai, a title he won in 2001. He has also won numerous other Muay Thai titles, including the WMC Muay Thai World Championship, the Toyota Cup Championship, and the Omnoi Stadium Championship.
Buakaw’s impressive record and dominant fighting style have made him a fan favorite around the world. He is known for his powerful kicks, lightning-fast strikes, and unrelenting pace. He has fought some of the best fighters in the world and has defeated many of them with his skill and toughness.
Buakaw said, “I’m glad to be back in Japan. I haven’t fought here in a while but I’m excited to fight in Rizin. I am confident in my victory. My plan is to work with Rizin in a longer term and want to bring my young prospects to Japan. I feel that it is my duty for the next generation.”
Rukiya Anpo is a young, talented fighter who made a name for himself as a former K-1 super lightweight champion before leaving the organization in December of last year. He is currently ranked #6 in the super featherweight rankings by Beyond Kickboxing, a highly respected kickboxing media outlet.
Anpo states, “Buakaw is a legend. The first billboard you see when entering Thailand is him. But with that said, I need to knock him out and have him pass the torch. He will be surprised with my power.”
Anpo has been making waves in the world of kickboxing, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor with impressive skills. In his most recent fight, he took on Cyril Abidi in a highly anticipated bout at the Breaking Down promotion, which drew in fans from all over the world. Anpo proved his mettle in the ring, knocking out Abidi in the third round with a flurry of strikes that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite being only 26 years old, Anpo has already achieved a great deal in his kickboxing career, including winning the K-1 super lightweight championship. He has shown an ability to adapt to different fighting styles and opponents, making him a formidable force in the ring.
Anpo’s upcoming bout against Buakaw at Rizin 42 represents an exciting clash of styles and generations. The old-school Buakaw, with his incredible experience and skill, will be facing off against the young upstart Anpo, who is hungry to prove himself as a top contender in the sport.
The fight is sure to be a thrilling spectacle for fans of kickboxing and combat sports, as two of the best fighters in the world go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy. Both fighters are known for their striking abilities and have a proven track record of delivering exciting fights.
As fans eagerly await the clash between Buakaw and Anpo at Rizin 42, it is clear that the future of kickboxing is in good hands with young fighters like Anpo rising up the ranks and challenging the established champions of the sport.