HERO'S
K-1 HERO'S · 2005 – 2008
Merged into DREAM
- Founded
- First event March 26, 2005
- Founders
- K-1 / Fighting and Entertainment Group; run by Akira Maeda
- Home base
- Japan
- Fate
- Merged into DREAM in 2008.
Notable Eras
- K-1's MMA brand, 2005–2007
Key Events
- HERO'S 1 (March 26, 2005)
Legendary Champions
- Norifumi 'KID' Yamamoto
- Gegard Mousasi
The Full History
2005–2007: K-1's MMA Brand
K-1's parent company launched HERO'S on March 26, 2005, with Akira Maeda as its figurehead. Its tournaments made Norifumi 'KID' Yamamoto a star.
2008: Into DREAM
In early 2008 FEG folded HERO'S into the new DREAM promotion.
Why It Closed
It was a corporate decision. After PRIDE was sold, K-1's parent FEG merged HERO'S with former PRIDE staff in 2008 to create DREAM.
Legacy
K-1's MMA experiment, where KID Yamamoto became a national hero.
