Earlier today, M-1 Sports Media, which operates K-1, announced that K-1 WORLD GP Welterweight champion {Masaaki Noiri} and Krush Featherweight champion {Tatsuki Shinotsuka} have left the promotion and will relinquish their titles. It's no secret, that many names on the roster have been vocal about the new K-1 management and are seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
For fans of Noiri, this comes as no surprise. Nonetheless, many still speculated that he would be the yet-to-be-announced wildcard for the upcoming K-1 WORLD MAX in July.
The K-1 veteran has been with the promotion since the very start of his career, winning the K-1 JAPAN TRYOUT in 2007 at the age of only 13. Two years later, he made a name for himself, winning the K-1 Koshien in his first year of high school. He then became a two-weight K-1 champion, having held the K-1 World GP Super Lightweight Championship (-65 KG) between 2017 and 2018 and the K-1 World GP Welterweight Championship (-67.5 KG) since 2021.
Tatsuki Shinotsuka, 25, has quickly gained a following for his flashy fighting style and antics in the ring. He confirmed on social media, that his departure from K-1 has come prematurely, as he had to buy his way out. "After paying a hefty penalty, the contract with K-1 has been amicably terminated on March 26, 2024".
Similar to former K-1 fighters {Rukiya Anpo} and {Minoru Kimura} he's likely to continue his way in RIZIN, having scored a decision over Daichi Tomizawa at RIZIN 45 on New Years Eve.
Source: beyondkick.com