KFL 002 showcased a night of electrifying kickboxing bouts on 30 March at The Taprobane Colombo. Veteran cricketers Chaminda Vaas and T.M. 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.
The latest sporting sensation in the island nation, the Karma Fight League (KFL) came to town this year bigger, better, and stronger with a wide array of glamorous and enthralling action-packed bouts and made its mark in Sri Lanka’s fight sport arena, this event went down in the annals of the island nations sporting history as a revolutionary change towards creating a global impact.
It was clean, meaning K-1 Action on fight night. Let’s recap what happened at the KFL 002 Open Weight Championship (OWC).
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 centre and bring the fight to his advantage. In the end, Team Shed's Januka adjusted tactics mid-fight to secure a win over Dilshan.
Meanwhile Senitha Senanayake, founder of KO’s and Submission’s as well as Sri Lanka’s one and only fight sports journalist, caught up with a few fighters in the post-fight interview.
Speaking to Senitha Senanayake on behalf of the Daily Morning, “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.
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.”
The 30 March 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 Gayar Kaberii 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”
OWC thrills and upsets
The first-ever Open Weight Championship (OWC) 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. In a shocking upset, Georgia's Tazo Subitidze knocked out the veteran Malinda ‘Boyka’ Amarasinghe.
Speaking to The Daily Morning after the fight, Malinda said he would come back stronger and rectify the mistakes he made.
Previously speaking to the Daily Morning Sports Karma Fight League Director of Marketing and Communications, Shyam Impett said: “The beginning was definitely tough just like any other beginning. We had the vision from 2022, but we were off to start it at a smaller scale, but then we sort of decided we have to give Sri Lanka and the sports entertainment culture an experience that they have never gotten before, and from the first KFL event we were able to achieve that. Now, we only grow from there.”
When asked about what this sporting principle has in offer for the youth Impett said: “We are currently working on a few innovative ideas to help out young fighters. Martial arts is also something we would like to develop in Sri Lanka because martial arts help people addicted to drugs, who are victims of domestic violence, and overall it improves the personality.”
“At KFL, we empower fighters not just put them in a ring and let them fight. We maintain a standard, providing them with the best possible prize money, running fitness tests, and also running workshops for fighters to grow them as stars in the sporting and entertainment industry.”
About KFL
Karma Fight League (KFL) is Sri Lanka's premier K1 professional fighting league. Founded by a team passionate about combat sports, KFL is dedicated to elevating Sri Lankan fighters, establishing a legacy of thrilling K1 competition, and changing the face of sports entertainment in the nation.
(themorning.lk)
