Favorite: 2004 K-1 Champion

[chosin]

Final Elimation has been set for Tokyo on September 25.

16 fighters start, eight advance to the Finals in December.

Just thought I'd see who you all think will win this year.

I think Ignashov or Bonjasky is the favorite, but things might get interesting with Hoost and LeBanner back in the mix. And maybe Sefo will actually fight this year.

[cardinals_82_85]

Bonjasky is the reigning champion, so I believe that makes him the favorite...although, his loss to Filho and unimpressive win against Botha are definite detractions.

[SanLuis97]

Ignashov has quality wins this year over Carter Williams and Semmy Schilt--two very respectable, tough opponents. And his MMA fights make him by far the most active fighter going into the tournament. He's young and due for a good draw in the pairings. Alexey is the favorite.

[Todd25]

Thats what makes this years GP so good! There isn't really a favorite, anybody could win! But if I had to choose I would say Remy Alexey, Or Aerts. (and Sefo for sure!)

[Brock8]

I'd like to hear the argument for Michael McDonald being the favorite.
No offense to him, but he's never even previously qualified for the final.
Sure, he's a decent fighter; he has a chance, but no way would the odds makers install him as the favorite.

Bonjasky, Ignashov--absolutely.

Hoost, Aerts, Sefo and Filho, an argument could be made. (LeBanner could also be in this group.)

Musashi, as with McDonald, has a slight chance but no way the favorite.

[Matsukawa8]

There's a difference between "favorite" and "a chance to win." All the fighters have a chance to win, and besides last year, every fighter in the final is an accomplished fighter. The favorite is recognized as having the "best" chance to win, yet he might not win. The Lakers were the clear favorites in the NBA finals, but---

[dogofwar]

Thats what makes this years GP so good! There isn't really a favorite, anybody could win! But if I had to choose I would say Remy Alexey, Or Aerts. (and Sefo for sure!)
There is 8 guys listed and you picked 4 of them...way to go out on a limb..

You want to narrow that down to one, I will take Hoost.

[Lefty]

i would pick lebanner, but his injury will be a target by every one who fights him. i cant seeing him fighting into the finals. my wild card pick will be ray sefo. alexy will also be hard to beat, but since hearing ray was in good shape against sapp(injury plagued for a while), i'll take my chance and pick sefo to win it all.

brock8, i think mcdonald's size has been a problem against some of the rangyer fighters.

[Shamrocked]

I think Lefty and I were seperated at birth or something. I was going to say it's Jerome's tourney to lose if the arm holds up, but I don't expect it to. I'm also going with Sefo to finally get the big one won. Hoost and Aerts are still great, but I don't think that their age lends itself to a multi-fight night. Ignashov and Bonjasky are the future of K-1 (Bonjasky lucked out with a razor thin field last year), but they're just not ready yet.

[themunchies]

I'm going with Bonjasky to repeat.

[Todd25]

It's really tough to say who will win, but if Sefo is in it, I'm going with him. Plus Remy and Alexey have fought a lot of fights already this year.

[fist]

I can not belive more people choose McDonald and Musashi over Peter Aerts. Unbeliveble!

Anyway, if Ignashov focuses strictly on K-1 (not MMA) for the rest of the year he could win the final tournament. If not it could finaly be Sefo`s year.

There is a name missing in the poll: Carter Williams. Lets not discount him. That kid has amazing talent and he could upset many big names.

[Brock8]

Fist: "I can not belive more people choose McDonald and Musashi over Peter Aerts. Unbelievable!"

I agree completely. But you notice, whoever voted for these two didn't bother to explain their reasoning. I don't think any knowledable, objective K-1 fan would choose either of these two as the favorites. And right, Aerts and Filho got no votes and these two got four? Ha.

I think Carter has a better chance than Musashi or McDonald, but I still don't see him winning this thing yet. I still have that loss to Mighty Mo in my head.

Shamrocked, you're right, this tournament has gotta be tough on the older fighters such as Hoost, Aerts and Filho, but with a good draw either of the three could win. As Ignashov and Hoost have both said, to win the tourney you have to be a little lucky.

Lefty: Right about McDonald--his height is a definite disadvantage. A few weeks ago we were all discussing Andy Hug's significant accomplishments despite his lack of height.

[Lefty]

brock8: in my books, hug made legend status by beating the bigger guys during k-1's golden era (in terms of talent). he also NEVER quit (unless he was on the floor out cold). mcdonald has never been able rise to the occasion except in vegas. in japan he's average.

fist: those who voted for musashi and mcdonald must not know their k-1. personally i think filho and aerts might win their first fight, but not the whole thing. aerts always does well in the first fight, but then his age kicks in. filho's been injury plagued for years.

shamrocked: i agree with your "separated at birth " thoery. maybe that would explain the massive scar on my side.:-D

[Shamrocked]

shamrocked: i agree with your "separated at birth " thoery. maybe that would explain the massive scar on my side.:-D
You have one too? Mine is on my right. Too creepy!