K-1 Officially Announces Oceania GP

With just one week before the event, K-1 has finally announced the 2010 Oceania Grand Prix.  To be held July 10 in Canberra, Australia, the event will determine the next participant in the 2010 Grand Prix Final 16.  Quarter-final matches are:

Cedric NTG v. Jay Hepi
Ben Edwards v. Faisal Zakaria
Steve Bonner v. Doug Viney
Paul Slowinski v. Andre Popovic

The obvious pick here is Slowinski, who has won this event in the past and has by far the most high level experience.  But Slowinski has definitely slowed a step recently, coupling solid wins against the likes of Konstantin Gluhov and fellow GP participant Edwards, with big loses to the like of Manhoef and Gerges.

The dark horse candidate here is Cedric NTG.  A Muay Thai fighter competing regularly in Australia's Evolution promotion, Cedric brings very strong Muay Thai skills in, and should provide a stiff challenge in this tournament. 

In addition to the tournament, four super fights were announced:

Ewerton Teixeira v. Alex Roberts
Steve Moxon v. kenmun
Charles August v. Jarred Botha
Warrick Harrington v. Tass Tsitsiras

The big fight here is Teixeira v. Roberts.  Ewerton has not seen action since being brutally KO'd by Overeem in the final 8 last year, and it will be good to see the top 10 fighter back in the ring.  Roberts makes his return to K-1 here after falling victim to a head kick KO by Teixeira's teammate Glaube Feitosa in Robert's K-1 debut in 2008.  Since then, Roberts has looked strong in Shootboxing, and is ready to make the step back up.  Once again, he has a daunting welcome in front of him, as Teixeira will be a very tough opponent to topple.

Finally, three opening fights round out the card:

Fadi Markoubol v. Brani Zec
Josh Tonna v. Glen Purvis
Tafa Misipati v. TBA (Reserve Fight)