K-1 is set to host a major event, K-1 Beyond, in Yokohama, Japan on May 31st, featuring three high-stakes championship fights.
In the Cruiserweight division, champion Liu Ce, who also won the 2023 Openweight Grand Prix, will defend his K-1 title. His opponent is the undefeated Enfusion World Light Heavyweight champion, Thian De Vries. Liu Ce has consistently performed well in K-1, while De Vries has an impressive record of 11 consecutive wins, all coming by knockout or technical knockout. This matchup is highly anticipated and expected to be a fierce battle for the K-1 Cruiserweight belt.
The Super Welterweight championship will see the reigning champion, Ouyang Feng, a specialist in Sanda, defend his belt against Darryl Verdonk, a prominent fighter from Enfusion. Verdonk, a former Enfusion Lightweight world champion, has secured back-to-back wins since participating in the K-1 World Max World Tournament last year. Champion Ouyang Feng returns with momentum from a five-fight winning streak in Wu Lin Feng. He also competed in last year`s K-1 World Max tournament but had to withdraw due to injury after winning his first-round bout.
A rematch for the Super Lightweight title is scheduled between Shu Inagaki and the current Thai champion, Yodkhunpon. Yodkhunpon recently defended his Super Lightweight title effectively with a TKO victory over Hayato Suzuki. The experienced Thai fighter is also scheduled for another bout against Meng Gaofeng before facing Inagaki. Shu Inagaki, considered a top prospect, previously lost a competitive fight to Yodkhunpon and aims to make the necessary strategic adjustments for their rematch.
Murray Blackwood 
Gareth Pendleton