Buakaw, 31, was disqualified and missed the opportunity to become the first three-time K-1 MAX champion after he left the ring following the final round. Initially the fight was declared a draw and a fourth overtime round was to take place. In the video, officials can be heard saying "where is Buakaw?".
Moments later, the announcer told the crowd: "Right now Buakaw has left the building. He forfeits the title." Kehl, a 22-year-old German was crowned the new champion in the 70-kilogramme division, amid boos and jeers from the Pattaya crowd.
On Sunday morning (October 12), a message posted on Banchamek Gym's Facebook page said: "I apologise for making my supporters puzzled. You'll soon understand me."
According to reports, Buakaw had forfeited the fight because he might have been informed that the match was "rigged". Buakaw on Tuesday (October 7) went to a police station to file a complaint about online gambling in connection with the K-1 MAX World Championship finals.
The reports said Buakaw decided to fight Kehl because he did not want to breach his contract with the tournament organiser. The Phuket News/Bangkok Post