K-1 Lightweight Champion Nagasawa to face challenger Koji

K-1 Lightweight Champion Samuel Seiko Nagasawa will defend his title against challenger Koji in a match scheduled for December 29, 2026, at Yokohama BUNTAI as part of K-1 WORLD MAX 2026.

During a press conference, Koji announced his return to K-1 after a seven-year absence. Koji criticized the current state of the organization, claiming it has declined since the eras of Masato and Takeru and comparing its current status to an amateur organization. He stated his intention to help revitalize the promotion by bringing value and viewership.

Nagasawa responded to the criticism by acknowledging the need for more engagement within the promotion but expressed confidence in his ability to win via knockout. He also expressed interest in a potential one-day tournament format involving other fighters such as Yuki Satomi and Yuki Asakuma.