It was the fourth K-1 World MAX final for middleweight kickboxers (70 kg/152 lb weight class), involving eight finalists and two reserve fighters, with all bouts fought under K-1 rules.

As well as tournament matches there were also three super fights fought under K-1 rules (70 kg/152 lb weight class).

Souwer was helped in his route to the final by the fact that local hero (and one of the favorites) Masato was injured in his quarter final match and replaced by the much less renowned Yasuhiro Kazuya, who had suffered a cut in his reserve match win, something Souwer took full advantage of, winning by technical knockout.

In the super fights the most notable result saw legendary Muay Thai champion Ramon Dekkers outclass former K-1 USA winner Duane Ludwig, winning via a wide unanimous decision.

[1] * Reserve Fight Kazuya Yasuhiro replaced Masato who had to withdraw from the competition due to injury