UFC Champion Sean Strickland Spars K-1 Star Rukiya Anpo

In June 2024, Tokyo played host to a sparring session that quickly went viral: former UFC champion Sean Strickland against K-1 star Rukiya Anpo. The intrigue came from the clash of styles and a massive weight gap—Anpo giving up nearly 50 pounds. Early on, the kickboxer impressed with sharp speed and crisp combinations, forcing Strickland to respect his timing. But as the rounds wore on, Strickland’s trademark pressure, “man-dance” rhythm, and sheer size advantage began to grind Anpo down. By the fifth round, exhaustion set in, and Strickland’s suffocating jab and durability overwhelmed him.