Following recent discussion surrounding an article critical of ONE Championship, former K-1 producer Carlos Kikuta shared his perspective online. Kikuta, who departed K-1 in December 2024, offered a pointed comment regarding ONE`s difficulties, stating, “Perseverance is strength!” This remark stood in contrast to K-1 founder Kazuyoshi Ishii`s recent call for closer collaboration with ONE Championship.
Japanese kickboxing star Takeru, formerly with K-1, reacted negatively to Kikuta`s harsh words directed at ONE. Kikuta responded to Takeru, justifying his criticism by emphasizing the need to speak out for athletes:
It is precisely because of the respect for the ‘athletes fighting with their lives on the line’ that we cannot stay silent about a management structure that exploits fighters. If the backstage is rotten, no matter how hard the athletes strive, they won`t be rewarded. That`s why raising our voices is worth it, don`t you think?
Subsequently, Takeru elaborated on the significant issues faced by fighters within K-1, highlighting low fight purses, a lack of support for injuries and hospitalizations, the burden on fighters to cover their own travel and accommodation costs, and overly restrictive contracts featuring automatic renewals, severe penalties, and blacklisting provisions.
He drew a comparison to his current situation at ONE Championship, where he feels he is finally treated appropriately as a professional athlete.
Ellis Thorne