K-1 MAX Preview Interview

K-1 MAX LIVE ON MAIN EVENT

Infinite MMA Speaks to Michael Schiavello

On Monday July 7, Australian fans will be treated to the first ever LIVE broadcast of K-1 MAX on Main Event PPV (Foxtel, Austar, Optus). In the following interview, infinitemma talks to K-1's global commentator "The Voice" Michael Schiavello about the stacked fight card in this mega event.

Q: Michael thanks for your time. K-1 Max live for the first time on MAIN EVENT on July 7. You must be thrilled?

SCHIAVELLO: Thanks Hamish. We've been pushing for K-1 Max on MAIN EVENT for a long time and finally, as I say, "it's a happening!" K-1 Max is the highest level of fighting on the planet of any fight organisation in the world. The powers that be at K-1/FEG are pulling out all the stops for this one and putting on a truly stacked fight card. The line-up is on a level never seen before.

Q: Let's take a look at some of the marquee match-ups... first of all the big news: Mike Zambidis vs Albert Kraus in a super fight for reserve fighter status for the K-1 Max finals...

SCHIAVELLO: Yeah, this is just a crazy crazy match up. The two fought many moons ago when Zambidis knocked out Kraus in his K-1 Max debut. Both men come in off tough losses -- Zambidis was knocked out by Andy Souwer in an extension round and Kraus lost via decision in an extension to Buakaw. Those were both amazing fights and a lot of people thought Zambidis had beaten Souwer in regular time and that Kraus beat Buakaw in the extension round. Both guys have a lot to prove to themselves, the fans and FEG come July 7. Word is Zambidis is training like a demon. He wants to put a hurting on Kraus and knock out the former K-1 Max world champion in a big way. It will be a battle between Zambo's unholy hand power and Kraus' sheer workrate and speed. I'm tipping a decision win for Zambidis in what will be an absolute cracker.

Q: You don't think Zambidis can get the KO?

SCHIAVELLO: Kraus is a craft customer and can take the shots. The thing is that Kraus is a workhorse and very quick. For Zambidis to get in and set himself and land one big tub-thumper will be hard. He did it once before but Kraus will doubtfully expose himself to such a shot again. Then again it takes Zambidis only a minute opening to put the Big Kabosh through with an overhand right. You never know.

Q: Two of your favourites will clash when Masato meets Drago in a K-1 Max Final 8 quarter final fight...

SCHIAVELLO: Masato is sublime. The guy is all style, speed, power and charisma. I can't get enough of him. Against the former Armenian refugee Drago he's going to have his hands full. Drago is a nutcase. Seriously, it's like they let the lunatic out of the asylum for this one.. His ring entrance alone is worth the price of this PPV. Drago goes full on from the opening bell. It's no wonder he was voted the fan's choice in the 2007 K-1 Max Grand Prix. The way I see it he has to pounce on Masato early and not allow Masato to get into his rhythm. Once Masato gets into his rhythm and gets his hands going, the Japanese is the best boxer in all of K-1.. This is another fight that will be just nuts to watch.

Q: K-1 also announced that Remigijius Morkevicius will be making his much anticipated comeback on this night...

SCHIAVELLO: That's some quality parenting right there, naming your son Remigijius! That's nine months of quality thought! Yeah Remi is a Lithuanian who was a big deal in K-1 Max two years ago when he was knocking the stuffing out of everyone. He went into retirement due to a pretty bad back injury but that seems to have healed now and he makes his return on July 7 to face MMA fighter Andre Dida of Brazil. I'm scared for Dida. Sure he's a big swinger in the MMA realm but against a knockout artist like Remi, I predict we'll see Remi smash his face in inside of two rounds. MMA striking and stand-up Max striking are two different skillsets. If Dida swings for the ropes like he did in his DREAM fight against Eddie Alvarez, Remi will just come up the centre and tag him on the kisser.

Q: Andy Souwer takes on Warren Stevelmans of South Africa. Is this a cakewalk for Andy?

SCHIAVELLO: Look, Andy Souwer is pound for pound probably the best fighter on the planet right now. He's a magician in the ring and has deceptive power. The thing with Andy is that he is pretty much a flawless fighter who has the ability to pick apart any opponent and seemingly beat them with ease. His knockout of Zambidis with a headkick was just beautiful. He's the reigning and two-time K-1 Max world champion and I think he'll take care of business against Stevelmans without too many problems. That said Stevelmans is one tough cat and he can take punishment and dish it back. If he beats Souwer it will be one of Max's greatest all time upsets. That's a huge incentive to win. Can he do it? I don't think so. He will give a good account for himself but he won't outsmart Souwer and Souwer has the genius Andre Manaart in his corner, so Andre and Andy would have formulated a perfect gameplan as always.

Q: What about Buakaw vs Sato III. Will we see another war?

SCHIAVELLO: This has developed into one of Max's great rivalries. The first time they fought Buakaw broke Sato's face. Sato came back the second time in February and took Buakaw an extra round and lost the decision. You have to figure by now that Sato knows Buakaw inside out and will be concocting a gameplan like a mad scientist to finally get the win over Buakaw. But Buakaw is Buakaw man. I mean, he's awesome. His kicks are out of this world. I was commentating the last MAX event with Nick Pettas and even Nick was like, "Man, Buakaw kicks like a heavyweight. I wouldn't want to stand and take his kicks". The guy is an animal. I think this fight will be action packed and Buakaw will come through with the goods again.

Q: Who is your pick to become K-1 Max champion this year?

SCHIAVELLO: I have said it all year that Masato is my pick. He's just so hungry, man. I don't think there is anyone in Max that wants to win the title more than Masato. He has all the weapons to do it, the new format suits him perfect, he has the hunger and he has the fans behind him. Masato is the man.

Q: Which fight are you particularly looking forward to on July 7?

SCHIAVELLO: Zambidis versus Kraus because it could just get nasty and crazy, and Masato vs Drago.

Q: The event will be broadcast live from the Budokan Arena in Tokyo. What's that venue like?

SCHIAVELLO: The Budokan is wicked. It holds about 16,000 in Max format and the fans are very close to the action which makes for a great live atmosphere and looks really good on television. The Budokan is so historic, it's always special being there. It was built for the 1964 Olympic Games Judo; it is where the Beatles made their Japanese debut and it is where Muhammed Ali fought Antonio Inoki. It's a fitting arena for the best fight event on the planet.

Q: Who will you be calling the event with?

SCHIAVELLO: Not sure yet. Hopefully with Ray Sefo as we did last year's K-1 Max together and had a blast. I'll keep you posted..

Q: Thanks for your time Michael and good luck with the July 7 broadcast.

SCHIAVELLO: Thanks Hamish for your support. The show will be about a 5-hour duration with a massive 12 fights. It's totally stacked. Hope everyone will tune in!