2011 K-1 World Grand Prix Line-up

[EmpireWF]

October 29th will be the Final 16 with the conclusion happening later in the year.

No classic names or even former GP champions this year. 11 of the 16 have been announced.

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/9/17/2429934/k-1-grand-prix-2011-set-to-begin-on-october-29

Badr Hari (77-11) - 2008 & 2009 K-1 GP runner-up
Hesdy Gerges (39-9-1) - Current It's Showtime Heavyweight champion
Tyrone Spong (67-6-1-1) - 2010 Final 8
Ruslan Karaev (13-9) - 2008 K-1 Taipei champion; 2005 K-1 Las Vegas champion
Daniel Ghita (39-7) - 2010 Final 8; 2009 K-1 Tokyo GP champion
Ben Edwards - 2010 K-1 Oceania GP champion
Melvin Manhoef (37-9) - 2009 Final 16
Dzevad Poturak (47-16-1-1) - K-1 Grand Prix debut
Sergei Lascenko (27-9) - 2011 SuperKombat GP champion; 2009 K-1 Tokyo GP runner-up
Rico Verhoeven (35-5-1) - K-1 Grand Prix debut
Anderson "Braddock" Silva (29-5-1) - K-1 Grand Prix debut

You K-1 guys, explain some of the names. Is there anyone who can stop Badr Hari?

[SHOGUN]

You K-1 guys, explain some of the names. Is there anyone who can stop Badr Hari?

In short, no. While there is plenty of new faces, the talent pool of the new guys is weak.

The only one on that list that might have a shot is Ghita, but it depends on how the bracket is set up.

[Liquidrob]

People tried to rip on The Reems K-1 win, said lack of talent which was actually wrong, this field is weak, if Hari can't win it this year he might never win it

[SHOGUN]

Edwards, Lascenko and Poturak are pretty much sacrificial lambs.

Silva is nothing special, but gets hype since he's Brazzo.

Verhoeven has a lot of potential and is young (22), but I don't really expect much from him at this level yet if he sticks with it. He might be moving to MMA in the near future.

Manhoef is too small to really make a run and his chin has been failing him.

Spong might be the most technically proficient guy in the tournament, but size might limit him. Given the weak talent, he's probably the darkhorse to win.

[Liquidrob]

I'm routing for Spong, but like Shogun said, he might be to small

[Bigpapa42]

The biggest challenger to Hari this year is himself, with his tendency to lose his shit. Agree with Shogun that Ghita and Spong have a shot as well, but this really should be Hari's tournament.

Where the fuck is Schilt? Hasn't fought all year.

[Liquidrob]

how old is semmy now?

[SHOGUN]

FEG's inability to pay fighters has really put a dent in this event. Golden Glory is boycotting and some of usual big names like Le Banner and Sefo refuse to fight K-1 until they get paid for previous fights.

Erroll Zimmerman is the only GG fighter I've seen expected to compete in the Final 16, but it is in no way confirmed or finalized.

[Bigpapa42]

how old is semmy now?

37. Don't think he's fought at all since he lost in the 1st round last year.

[SHOGUN]

The biggest challenger to Hari this year is himself, with his tendency to lose his shit. Agree with Shogun that Ghita and Spong have a shot as well, but this really should be Hari's tournament.

Where the fuck is Schilt? Hasn't fought all year.

Semmy's competing in the Ultimate Sumo Championships.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLza1GfhsJI"]HIRO vs Semmy - YouTube[/ame]

[Liquidrob]

yeah, he hasnt fought, surprised that he hasnt even done a GG show against a scrub or something, but he has been at it a long time, maybe he is doen