K-1 and fighter Toma Kuroda have mutually agreed to terminate their contract.
Following the recent departures of Taito Gunji and Masashi Kumura, another prominent fighter, Toma Kuroda, has left K-1. The promotion announced on May 9, 2025, that the contract between K-1 and Kuroda was concluded by mutual agreement.
This marks another significant setback for the Japanese kickboxing organization, which is known for its strict and exclusive contracts. The trend of athletes leaving the promotion shows no signs of slowing down.
Kuroda, aged 24, was the reigning Bantamweight champion in the -53 kg division but has now vacated his title. He is seeking new challenges in other organizations. Kuroda had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with K-1 on social media multiple times, stating, “There are no strong fighters in the K-1 bantamweight division, so I think I`ll go join another organization.”
Last month, it was announced that Kuroda is scheduled to compete in the SPACE ONE x BOM event on Sunday, May 11. This joint promotion features China’s professional kickboxing organization SPACE ONE and Japan’s Muay Thai promotion The Battle of Muay Thai (BOM).
Ranked fifth in the Beyond Kickboxing Rankings, Kuroda remains one of the top talents in his division. His long-term destination has not yet been officially confirmed, but a move to promotions like RISE or ONE Championship appears likely.
Murray Blackwood 
Gareth Pendleton