K-1 champion Thian de Vries plans move to MMA after two fights
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 6:58 AM
Last updated Jul 21, 2026
Thian de Vries, the K-1 cruiserweight champion, announced his intention to transition to mixed martial arts. He revealed on Instagram that he will fulfill two remaining kickboxing bouts before focusing entirely on MMA. De Vries expressed enthusiasm for this new direction, stating 'MMA is the future.' He aims to follow in the footsteps of successful fighters who have transitioned from kickboxing to MMA, like Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya.
- •Thian de Vries is the K-1 cruiserweight champion.
- •He plans to complete two more kickboxing fights.
- •De Vries announced his intent on his Instagram.
- •He aspires to transition to MMA after those bouts.
- 6:58 AMYahoo Sports — K-1 cruiserweight champ announces transition to MMA
"One of kickboxing's fastest-rising talents appears ready to test himself in a new arena.
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