K-1 HERO'S
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HERO'S is a Japanese mixed martial arts promotion operated by Fighting and Entertainment Group, the parent entity behind kickboxing organization K-1. Grown from and branched off of K-1's earlier experiments in MMA, including the K-1 Romanex event and various MMA fights on its regular K-1 kickboxing cards, it held its first show on March 26, 2005. Although the promotion is relatively new, they already include in their roster some of the most recognizable fighters in mixed martial arts, including Kazushi Sakuraba, Norifumi Yamamoto, Melvin Manhoef, Royce Gracie and Don Frye. The promotion is handled by former RINGS head Akira Maeda.
Although not as popular worldwide as the Ultimate Fighting Championship or PRIDE Fighting Championships, HERO'S is quite recognizable in the Japan mixed martial arts scene, thanks in large part to the visibility and resources of FEG and K-1.
[edit] Rules
- Uses two 5-minute rounds, with an extra round option should the judges be unable to determine a clear winner of the fight.
- Prohibits elbow strikes to the head, kicking by a fighter in the standing position to the face and head of a fighter in the ground position (When both fighters are in the ground position, kicking to the face and head of the opponent fighter is allowed). Knee kicking to the face and head of a fighter in the state of any ground position including 4-point position etc. is also illegal.
- Weight classes are currently being established. Lightweight is under 75 kg, others to be announced shortly.
- Has moved to a tournament format similar to that seen in K-1, with an eight man tournament. However, the final matches are not decided on the same evening, but at later events. It is unsure if this format will become the standard at this time.
[edit] External Links
| Professional mixed martial arts organizations | |
|---|---|
| Major promotions: | Ultimate Fighting Championship | PRIDE Fighting Championships | HERO's |
| Other promotions: | Pancrase | KOTC | Rumble on the Rock | EFC | WEC | MFC | ZST | DEEP | Cage Rage | Cage Warriors | FFC | IFL | TKO | Strikeforce | WWCN |
| Defunct promotions: | IVC | RINGS | WFA |
| Sanctioning bodies: | Shooto | International Sport Combat Federation |
