Aaron - I don't think you should stop pushing for the guys you think is be underepresented Jase in particular. Daniel still needs to beat a Peck or a Hiriwa to really convince some people - so hopefully that happens next month. Jason is the backbone of NZ kickboxing no one has done more for our sport in terms of profile and performance locally in the past 5 years if you ask me. Daniel has been a guy who has paid his dues taken on anyone anywhere any time and his performance in the past 12-18 months at heavyweight should him getting a shot at some of the guys who have a higher profile soon.

But there is no conspiracy going on to deny them. Japan makes ther own decisions on who they want to see - and often I don't understand their logic either !!! ... Mirko left K-1 because he got huge money in a bidding war from Pride. Mark again got huge money. Leko and Semi Shult are back - that was as a result of a fallout between Golden Glory (their training camp)and K-1 over money

For some of the fighters you mentioned the thing they have in common is ability to generate a large fan based audience either in Japan or the US where the money lies. Each of them has a good story or a niche in addition to their fighting ability which generates $$$$ for Japan.

Marketing 101 Analysis of why the Japanese have gone for certian fighters:

Kaoklai - an accident that wasn't supposed to happen, the orrinal tournament was set up I believe for Akebono to win - and one thing you and I agree on is that thank god that didn't happen. Then when Kaoklai beat Iggy he captured the hearts of the Japanese because of his 78 kilo frame and briliant eavasive skills and counter fighting, aditionally he is a good looking athlete who they can and have promoted. Additionally Kaoklai from memory is associated with Ihara who apparently holds a degree of sway in Japan as well.

Mighty Mo - again he wasn't supposed to win K-1 USA, Carter Williams was, but when Mo won with such deestating KO's I think Japan thought they had another Mark Hunt on their hands AND more importantly they HAD to have an American fighter in the tournament as they are looking to the States as a huge revenue generating region. So thus MO got his shot and ironically made an instant star of Kaoklai in 2004

Francois Botha - Ex World Boxing Champion was enough to get him in. In addtion he speaks well to the press and has a great ring entrence. Also the US Market knows him from his boxing days and so are more likely to follow him on TV.

Remy - Ex Model, Ex Investment Banker, Highly Explosive fighter who has come through the tough Dutch circuit. Intelligent, articulate, looks good and after quite a few chances has won two K-1 grand prix tournaments.

Filiho and lately Glaube - Kyokoshin fighters who inaddition to having great skill because they are associated with Kyokoshin draw from that Japanese and world fan base - so good business sense to have them in there.

I think Jase's storey in particular is highly marketable - particularly the Samoan Tattoos and how he got them, His entrance and the fact he used to fight at middle weight, and his warrior attitude there is a really good story there.

Daniel's story is proably likely to be as a giant killer not afraid of anyone -but he needs some big KO's on his highlight reel against bigger better and fighters to do that so hopefully if he keeps on performing he will force himself into an opportunity to have a crack and do a mark hunt...and prove the powers than be wrong ...

Daniel vs Tavita would be a good fight too ...