The Voice Michael Schiavello's WGP First Round Picks

Less than a month away, so it is fair to say that it is time to start getting hyped up for the K-1 World Grand Prix. Michael Schiavello, always a busy man but a true fan makes his predictions and includes some percents to make them all the more though-provoking. 

On basic principles, I agree with The Voice's picks for the opening rounds; Hari, Overeem, Schilt and Bonjasky. I think most fans who follow K-1 closely enough would agree with those picks. It is the percents that he tacks on for each that make them compelling. He gives an 80% chance of Badr Hari defeating Ruslan Karaev. While I agree that Badr is the favorite in this fight, Karaev can easily give him trouble, and compared to the rest of his percentages, I feel like this one, of all the fights, should be a bit more even.

Overeem at 60% seems fair, because while a beast he is, Karate experts like Teixeira can be elusive (also boring) and Overeem doesn't have the most even temper. Schilt at only 65% seems interesting, because if there ever was a cut and dry fight, it is that one. Zimmerman with a 30% shot over Remy Bonjasky I'm not sure I can agree with, either, if anything, Zimmerman's chances are lower than Karaev's.