K-1 World Grand Prix Semifinals & Finals Predictions
Predictions for the K-1 World Grand Prix Semifinals & Finals
Semifinals – Badr Hari vs Alistair Overeem
In this side of the bracket the most likely semi-final is Badr Hari vs Alistair Overeem. This will be a rematch of their much talked about fight at K-1 Dynamite 2008. At Dynamite 2008 Overeem KO’ed Hari inside of three minutes. The general consensus is that Hari was not fully focused on that fight perhaps taking Alistair too lightly. Hari also had to fight three times in one night against top competition earlier in the same month at the 2008 Grand Prix Finals. Hari of course is now looking for vengeance and should be much more rested and focused. Alistair is here to prove that his KO over arguably the most dangerous K-1 fighter right now is no fluke. This should not be going the distance due to each of these fighters fast and powerful fighting styles. Someone is going to eat canvas. Since Hari is now hell bent on revenge and is rested, it is hard not to pick him to win this fight by KO. Hari does leave himself open to get tagged clean at times. All it will take is one of those shots to get through from Overeem and it is lights outs. Overeem has overwhelming power and his striking technique is underrated. In the end, Hari can and should win this fight using his trademark speed and power punching finishing by KO.
Prediction – Badr Hari by KO
Semi-Final - Semmy Schilt vs Remy Bonjasky
Remy Bonjasky vs Semmy Schilt in the semi-finals is almost guaranteed to happen. Errol or JLB would have to pull a big upset to make this fight not happen. Credit to them it that happens. Schilt and Remy in some ways are much the same, they are not afraid to win on a decision and outpoint whoever they face. Schilt has gotten the better of Remy in the past defeating him by decision and knockout. Schilt’s style poses problems to Remy. Remy is used to being the one who is landing the shots from the outside and gathering points on the scorecards. Schilt has the reach on Remy, so basically Schilt is the one landing on Remy from a distance and outpointing him. To use a term that Michael Schiavello coined during the Manhoef vs Remy fight to describe how Manhoef was fighting, “Out Remying Remy.” Schilt will be doing exactly that to get a decision nod unless Remy drastically changes his style and aggressively brings the fight to Schilt.
Prediction – Schilt by Decision
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Final – Badr Hari vs Semmy Schilt
This final would be a rematch of Hari and Schilt’s fight at It’s Showtime in May. Hari stormed Schilt in that fight, knocking him out in 45 seconds. Hari has the perfect style to defeat Schilt. Hari’s speed, power and aggression are all key assets to have when fighting Schilt. It is known now that the way to beat Schilt is to bring the fight to him fast and pressure him. Peter Aerts at last year’s Final 16 and Badr Hari this May at It’s Showtime proved this theory to be true. Schilt likes to stay on the outside using his reach to keep his opponents at bay. Schilt has dangerous front kicks, high knees and since he is a large man his punches can inflict damage if they land clean. Hari is still the much heavier handed fighter. The main factor here is if Hari is in wars with Alistair and Karaev. If those previous fights involve him getting knocked down a few times or rocked it may negatively affect how he fights in this bout. Schilt should have an easier route due to his style. In a tournament format Schilt has a good style to avoid getting banged up. Schilt can outpoint fighters while taking little damage. If this fight is indeed the final, expect Hari to jump on Schilt with well timed aggression and knock him out again.
Prediction – Hari by KO
By Curt Meyer
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer