Last night marked an electrifying end to the Karate Combat UC40 tournament. The culmination of the event was eagerly anticipated, with fans across the globe anxiously waiting for the showdown between the renowned Rafael Aghayev, multiple times WKF World Champion and EKF European Champion, and his formidable American opponent, Josh Quayhagen. The bout was every bit as exciting as expected, with both karatekas putting on a thrilling performance that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The match was a testament to the prowess and skill of Rafael Aghayev. Despite Quayhagen’s relentless attacks, Rafael emerged victorious, securing his win in an undisputed fashion. He showcased his exceptional control over the match, not allowing his opponent to gain any upper hand.
In addition to this headline-grabbing match, the Karate Combat UC40 tournament featured a host of other electrifying fights across various weight categories. Each bout was a showcase of karate at its finest, with athletes from around the world demonstrating their skills and determination.
In the Welterweight Championship, Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan claimed victory over American Josh Quayhagen. The Lightweight category saw Edgars Skrivers from Latvia triumph over Gabriel Varga from Canada (sudden victory round decision). The French competitor Alexandre Bouderbane beat Samuel Ericsson from Sweden in another Welterweight match, while Kenji Grillon, also from France, won against Shahin Atamov from Azerbaijan in the same category.
The Bantamweight category witnessed Jesus Lopez from Peru come out on top against Ilies Mardhi from France with TKO. The Middleweight category saw an unusual outcome, with German Marcel Ritter and American Kai Calaway neutralizing each other, leading to a draw.
In the Lightweight category, Jeremy Payet from France obtained KO victory against Fernando Paz from Spain, while Mitchell Thorpe from the UK triumphed over Deivis Ferreras from the Dominican Republic. Jo Miyahara from Japan also emerged victorious against Leo Valdivia from the USA in the same category.
The Bantamweight category ended with Maximo Nunez from the Dominican Republic securing a win against Damian Villa from the USA with TKO decision.
The Karate Combat UC40 tournament was a night to remember, filled with high-octane action and stunning displays of karate skills. As the dust settles, we look forward to the next tournament and the new challenges it will bring for these exceptional athletes.
Welterweight fight: Rafael Aghayev (IC, AZE) wins against Josh Quayhagen (C, USA)
Lightweight fight: Edgars Skrivers (LAT) wins against Gabriel Varga (CAN)
Welterweight fight: Alexandre Bouderbane (FRA) wins against Samuel Ericsson (SWE)
Welterweight fight: Kenji Grillon (FRA) wins against Shahin Atamov (AZE)
Bantamweight fight: Jesus Lopez (PER) wins against Ilies Mardhi (FRA)
Middleweight fight: Marcel Ritter (GER) and Kai Calaway (USA) neutralize each other. Equality.
Lightweight fight: Jeremy Payet (FRA) wins against Fernando Paz (ESP)
Lightweight fight: Mitchell Thorpe (UK) wins against Deivis Ferreras (DOM)
Lightweight fight: Jo Miyahara (JPN) wins against Leo Valdivia (USA)
Bantamweight fight: Maximo Nunez (DOM) wins against Damian Villa (USA)
You can rewatch event on Karate.com