THE RETURN OF K-1 WORLD MAX TO EUROPE
After the success of “Oktagon Courmayeur” (held last June 7), the Italian combat sports gala returns to the Capital a year and a half after its last edition.
“Oktagon Rome,” organized this year by Opes Italia (one of the most important national Sports Promotion Bodies), with the technical-organizational support of FIGHT1 and under the patronage of the Sports Departments of Lazio Region and Rome Capital, is finally scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the PalaFIJLKAM in Ostia (widely known as “Pala Pellicone”). This will be the 29th edition of the international event, the most beloved and renowned by Italian combat sports fans. The Oktagon Rome fight card will feature more than 16 bouts, including 3 ISKA (International Sport Kickboxing Association) world title fights.
The first major highlight is the long-awaited return to Italy, after many years of absence, of the “K-1 World Max”, the most iconic international kickboxing tournament. Making its comeback in Europe, it has chosen Italy as the first European qualifying stage to determine the champion who will head to Tokyo for the world finals. The single-elimination format is a cornerstone of this show, which returns to the European continent after years before going back to its home base in Japan—and it has selected Oktagon Rome, on November 29, as its ideal showcase.
Since its creation back in 2002, K-1 World Max has crowned the best “K-1” fighter in the world in the 70 kg (155 lbs) weight division. It is historically considered the most spectacular event in combat sports, thanks to its format and the technical level of the athletes competing. Legends of the discipline such as Japanese star Masato Kobayashi (2003 and 2008), Thai fighter Buakaw Por. Pramuk (2004 and 2006), and Italian champion Giorgio Petrosyan (2009/2010) have left their mark in its history.
In Rome, two internationally renowned champions are already confirmed: Lorenzo Di Vara, from Lecco (Costa Masnaga), reigning ISKA Muay Thai World Champion at 70 kg, and Taras Hnatchuk from Ukraine, former ISKA Kickboxing World Champion at 72.5 kg. These are the first two fighters officially announced by the event organizers.
“OKTAGON is returning once again to Rome at the Pala Pellicone in Ostia,” said Carlo Di Blasi, president of FIGHT1. “It’s a natural choice because this venue has always been the home of Olympic martial arts and fighting in general. It was built for major events, and with the large number of athletes expected in this record-breaking edition, we need bigger and more flexible spaces, such as separate warm-up areas and locker rooms. It’s also ideal for setups dedicated to sponsors, media, and hospitality services for our guests. The return of K-1 World Max to Europe, starting from Italy, is one of the key highlights we’re proud to launch alongside Oktagon’s 29th edition.”
