Simon Rutz: K-1 World Grand Prix Almost Certain, Badr Hari Fight Announced Soon

Another week has gone by without the major announcement that fans have expected from K-1, but It's Showtime head Simon Rutz has lent further support to the notion that we will see a K-1 World Grand Prix Final 16 event before the year is over.

Earlier today, Rutz stated on his Facebook page that he was in contact with K-1 representatives and they were almost certainly putting together both the Final 16 and tournament final proper before the end of 2011. Tying in with this statement, the It's Showtime head mentioned that Badr Hari's next bout would soon be announced.

Rutz also offered that fighter payment continues to be an issue, but that K-1 has promised money to those owed and no fighters managed by It's Showtime will be competing in the K-1 events until that is delivered upon.

In related news, the It's Showtime head reiterated that there is an It's Showtime heavyweight grand prix on the horizon. Rutz again stated that if K-1 does not deliver, then the tournament can be expected later this year. If K-1 is able to pay It's Showtime fighters and move forward with their own heavyweight tournament, however, it seems that It's Showtime will look to early 2012 for its planned heavyweight tournament. While this is mostly a reiteration of earlier statements, rather than any sort of new development, Rutz mentioned that January 28th would be when fans would see such an event, should it be put off until 2012.

Expect more news regarding the K-1 World Grand Prix in the near future, as well as any further developments regarding the potential It's Showtime heavyweight tournament that will follow.