I think it all depends on the outcome of the fight really. Suppose they fight and Jason beat Ray. It would have been a great match up, not just for Jason but all the local K-1 heavyweights, wouldn't it? But suppose if Ray beat Jason easily? It would have been a bad fight for Jason and his management, as well as for the local heavyweights. K-1 would still believe that there is a vast difference in standard between the contracted K-1 fighters in Japan, and local K-1 fighters, therefore they will make them wait even longer. By bringing a fighter who make regular apperance at Japan's K-1, but not as good as Ray, would have been a smarter move. I'm not suggesting this to protect Jason, as we all know that Jason will fight anybody, even on short noticed. Isn't that what you are suggesting Mike? Well...yes and no to be honest (my opinion only).

I remember when we first made it to Japan with Ray during the mid 90's. I used to send Ray's profiles and demo videos to K-1 after he won an ISKA World title. K-1 wasn't even interested. I thought the only way we can do this is by bringing a fighter who had fought at K-1. So we brought over Andre Manaart from Holland. Ray defeated him and I believe helped K-1 to take a serious look at Ray. Of course I asked Andrew Peck to personally take the video to the K-1 head quatars which he did, and Minatoya and Attokawa viewed it before passing it on to Mr. Ishii. Mike....Nowdays I think K-1 seems to have different strategy. I think K-1 is more interested on TV coverage worldwide (obviously as K-1 really breaking all sort of record in coverage) than special talents from smaller nations. Business wise, I totally understand. USA and Europe has millions of viewers compare to NZ's 4 million in total population. What I'm really saying is, even if Jason beat Ray, it would only help him put one foot into Japan K-1, but does not guarantee anything (today I mean). He (and Peter Graham) has been doing everything that was ask of him and still not in Japan. As Dixon quoted earlier, Jason's style doesn't attract K-1. How many guys from bigger nations fighting at K-1 with ordinary skills, that you think Jason has a chance of beating? Now go and figure it out.