Part of what Aaron and Mark says is right - the decisions K-1 make sometimes defy logic and all the principles that we value as martial artists and athletes. And I have seen resonably high up conversation / negoitations in action where Dixon comes away banging his head against brick wall. It is just so incredibily frustrating at times.

However it is a process that K-1 in their defense have made moves to sort out.

And winning Oceania and then Vegas will see an Oceania rep through to the Semis - as Mike said Kaoklai and to be honest Peter Graham is a good example of that in 2003 (he wasn't supposed to get through either).

One thing that is good I think on this subject is that neither Aaron or MarkCr and others from time to time brown nose or kiss ass - accountability and constantly trying to keep the NZ game up is what the sport needs and for the most part its constructive.

Aaron - I've always thought Jase is marketable or has a story if you look back its it Japan who have the issue and have placed up barriers for various reason. Which I think sucks for him - the other side of things is the misconception that Dixon hasn't pushed for him he has and hard, and still is hopefully we may see a great opponent for him in the next show. Daniel I still believe has a harder road to hoe - but as I mentioned hopefully he'll get a shot to prove and run with it.

And Yup Paula needs a couple of step up fights against next step up opponents like Peck, or Te Rangi --- Mitch OHello was the first step but still a long way to go...

Anyway this thread just keeps growing and growing - maybe we should just rename it the NZ thread and keep coming back to it....