Motorola’s KFL 002 powered by Abans showcased a night of electrifying kickboxing bouts at The Taprobane Colombo recently (Mar 30). Veteran cricketers Chaminda Vaas and TM Dilshan were in attendance as Sri Lanka’s top kickboxers delivered a series of high-stakes fights, including the nation’s first-ever Open Weight Championship.
It was clean, meaning K-1 Action on fight night. Let’s recap what happened at KFL 002 Open Weight Championship.
Prelim Card Fireworks
The night kicked off with the Prelim Card, with 10 exceptional fighters taking the Martial Arts world by storm.
In the first bout, Isuru Dilhara dominated “Falcon” Pathmasiri in a striking masterclass. Both fighters have been teammates for two years in the National Muay Thai pool. However, on fight night Isuru Dilhara dominated “Falcon” Pathmasiri in a striking masterclass. Speaking to the media Isuru Dilhara said “My only goal is to manage my life, do consistent training and become a legendary fighter representing my motherland”
The Second fight of the night came as a shock to many fans as Georgian fighter Saba Galantia scored a clean knockout against Sahan Thisaranga. Dilshan Priyawadhana edged out a hard-fought decision victory over Isuru Prabhathiya.
The fourth fight of the night was a highly anticipated bout in Colombo. Dubbed the “Urban Clash” it was a pure technical war between Dilshan Sriskandarajah and Januka “Hound” Ranaweera. Dilshan from Vanquish Muay Thai pressured his opponent well against the ropes, but Januka was able to slip off to the center and bring to fight to his advantage. In the end, Team Shed’s Januka adjusted tactics mid-fight to secure a win over Dilshan.
Speaking to reporters after the fight “Making adjustments is my fighting style, I adjust to my opponent’s tendencies mid-fight. Even if they come with a game plan, I make adjustments.” Januka “Hound” Ranaweera said in the post-fight interview with Senitha Senanayake.
When asked what his future goals are in the sport he said, “I am hoping to one day compete in international pro fights through the platform created by KFL.”
An Undefeated Champion Shines
March 30th was also the day on which Sri Lanka’s Undefeated Kickboxer Nimesha Kumari proved yet again that she is one the best Kickboxers in the South Asian Region. On fight night Nimesha Kumari displayed unstoppable technique and power, dominating Gayeri to continue her undefeated streak. Nimesha’s past record is a true testament to her unwavering dedication to the sport.
Speaking to the media after the amazing win, she said “I want as always thank my Coach Jamitha Bandara and my teammates Isuru Dilhara and others for supporting me throughout the journey”
Open Weight Championship Thrills and Upsets:
The first-ever Open Weight Championship under K-1 rules blew the roof off the place. In the first bout. The matchups were done through a draw in K-1 Grand Prix Style for the first time ever. In the first fight, Silvester Silva staged a remarkable comeback after recent setbacks, defeating Srimal Rodrigo. In the second fight Laksiri Silva overcame early adversity to secure a stunning third-round victory over Heshan Benjamin. Gihan “Sonic” Prasanna, a rare talent in Sri Lanka delivered a crowd-pleasing win over late replacement Lahiru Sandaruwan. Gihan came into the arena on a Motorbike, entertaining the crowd & showcasing his mad love for bikes. However the most shocking turn of events of the night was veteran Malinda “Boyka” Amarasinghe getting knocked out by Georgia’s Tazo Subitidze
Speaking to the media after the fight, Malinda said he would come back stronger and rectify the mistakes he made.
Shyam Impett, KFL’s Director of Promotion said “Combat Tournaments were in existence in Sri Lanka, however, what we did at KFL was, we took what was existing and repackaged it and rebranded it and brought it to you in the form of the Karma Fight League. We are going to leave a legacy of some amazing fighters for the world.”
Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Tillakaratne Dilshan who attended the event with his family had this to say about Nimesha’s performance “The way she was kicking and punching had my daughters interested in the fight. I think she is a good brand ambassador for the game and an amazing brand ambassador for the sport in Sri Lanka and more women should follow her because she empowered other people overnight. That moment watching her there made me feel really proud.”
He added “The country needs new sports ventures like this. New start-ups like this to improve and promote sports and talent.”
Harin Fernando, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs stated “I extend my congratulations to the organizers for launching such a significant and high-level event. Shyam, Ilham, Dayan, Kaushika, and Binusha – you have elevated combat sports to new heights. The event was thrilling, and it showcases the potential to draw significant attention to this field. I was especially impressed by Nimesha Kumari’s performance against the Indian K1 Fighter Kaberi. This is an initiative I will personally look into developing.”
Prelims
Match 1
Isuru Dilhara vs Falcon Pathmasiri
Winner – Isuru Dilhara
Match 2
Saba Galantia vs Sahan Thisaranga
Winner – Saba Galantia
Match 3
Dilshan Priyawadhana vs Isuru Prabhathiya
Winner – Dilshan Priyawadhana
Match 4
Dilshan Sriskandarajah vs Januka “Hound”
Ranaweera.
Winner – Januka “Hound” Ranaweera
Match 5
Sri Lankan Kickboxing Sensation Undefeated Nimesha Kumari vs Indian Kaberi Gayari
Winner – Nimesha Kumari
Open Weight Championship
Match 1
Silvester Silva vs Srimal Rodrigo
Winner – Silvester Silva
Match 2
Laksiri Silva vs Heshan Benjamin
Winner – Laksiri Silva
Match 3
Gihan “Sonic” Prasanna vs Lahiru Sandaruwan
Winner – Gihan “Sonic” Prasanna
Match 4
Malinda “Boyka” Amarasinghe vs Tazo Subitidze
Winner – Tazo Subitidze (NewsWire)
