K-1 Grand Prix '96 was a kickboxing event promoted by the K-1 organization. It was the fourth K-1 World Grand Prix final involving eight of the world's best heavyweight fighters (+95 kg/209 lbs), with all bouts fought under K-1 Rules. The eight finalists had all almost qualified via elimination fights at the K-1 Grand Prix '96 Opening Battle event. The only absentee was Stan Longinidis who was unable to participate in the tournament due to injury - he was replaced by reservist Duane Van Der Merwe. As well as tournament bouts there were also two 'Super Fights' fought under K-1 Rules. In total there were twelve fighters at the event, representing seven countries.
The tournament winner was Andy Hug who defeated Mike Bernardo in the final by way of second round knockout. This would be the popular Hug's first and sole K-1 World Grand Prix title, although he would be the runner up in two more finals. Mike Bernardo would be taking place in his first and only K-1 final, causing a considerable upset by defeating defending champion Peter Aerts by knockout in the quarter finals. The event was held at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan on Monday, May 6, 1996 in front of 17,850 spectators.
K-1 Grand Prix '96 Tournament
* Reserve Fight winner Duane Van Der Merwe replaced Stan Longinidis in the Quarter Finals as Stan Longinidis was injured
Results
K-1 Grand Prix '96 Results[1][2]
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| K-1 Grand Prix Quarter Finals: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.1R |
 Mike Bernardo def. Peter Aerts  |
| Bernardo defeated Aerts by KO (Left Hook) at 0:13 of the 3rd Round. |
|
 Musashi def. Sam Greco  |
| Musashi defeated Greco by TKO (Doctor Stoppage, Broken Toe) at 3:00 of the 1st Round. |
|
Ernesto Hoost def. Mirko Cro Cop  |
| Hoost defeated Cro Cop by KO (Right Low Kick) at 1:27 of the 3rd Round. |
|
 Andy Hug def. Duane Van Der Merwe |
| Hug defeated Van Der Merwe by KO (Left Hook) at 0:40 of the 1st Round. |
|
| Super Fight 1: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R |
| Masaaki Miyamoto def. Ron Smoorenburg |
| Miyamoto defeated Smoorenburg by KO (Right Punch) at 0:13 of the 1st Round. |
|
| K-1 Grand Prix Semi Finals: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.2R |
| Mike Bernardo def. Musashi |
| Bernardo defeated Musashi by 3rd Round Unanimous Decision 3-0 (30-28, 29-28, 30-28). |
|
| Andy Hug def. Ernesto Hoost |
| Hug defeated Hoost by 2nd Extra Round Split Decision 2-1 (10-9, 9-10, 10-9). After the 1st Extra Round the judges scored it a Majority Draw 1-0 (10-10, 10-9, 10-10) in favour of Hoost, while after the first 3 rounds the judges had scored it a Decision Draw 1-1 (30-29 Hug, 30-30, 29-30 Hoost). |
|
| Super Fight 2: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R |
Rene Rooze def. Jean-Claude Leuyer  |
| Rooze defeated Leuyer by KO (Punches) at 1:50 of the 1st Round. |
|
| K-1 Grand Prix Final: K-1 Rules / 3Min. 3R Ext.2R |
| Andy Hug def. Mike Bernardo |
| Hug defeated Bernardo by KO (Left Spinning Low Kick) at 1:18 of the 2nd Round. |
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