Kanata Ueno delivered a highlight-reel knockout, but it may result in some judgement by the combat sports community.
At Friday’s K-1 World Grand Prix in Tokyo event, Ueno faced Sakuya Ueda in a super featherweight contest. As the second round of the bout began, Ueda went for a glove touch, which Ueno obliged. But the literal moment the show of respect concluded, Ueno knocked his opponent out viciously with a spinning wheel kick.
Check out the brutal finish below.
Amazing spinning wheel kick KO by Kanata Ueno seconds into R2 off a VERY quick glove touch. Fair game or cheap shot? Wait for the replay. pic.twitter.com/MG73DuCa40
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 14, 2024
The slo-mo replay from the side angle looks like the glove touch may have been missed, setting up the finishing blow, but it’s tough to tell if it’s a fair, or foul shot. The 18-year-old Ueno improved to 3-0 in 2024, with all three bouts taking place under the K-1 banner. Ueno earned a first-round knockout victory in September, and a second-round flying knee stoppage win in July.
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