Historical Poster✨
WKN: The Only Kickboxing Federation in History to Organize World Championships in Major Vale Tudo MMA Events in Brazil in the 90’ !
The World Kickboxing Network – WKN has always stood at the forefront of combat sports history. It remains the only kickboxing federation in the world to have organized championship fights on the grand stage of Vale Tudo—the raw, no-holds-barred precursor to modern MMA.
One of the most iconic moments in this legacy took place at the legendary IVC 10 and IVC 11 events, known as “Double Impact,” held in Maceió, Brazil, on April 28, 1999. These events, promoted by legendary Sergio Batarelli, were historic not only for their stacked MMA lineups but also for showcasing three IVC world championship fights and the prestigious WKN world title bout between Eduardo Canuto and Simon Dore in the heavyweight division.
The fight cards featured some of the biggest names of the era, including:
• Wanderlei Silva
• José “Pelé” Landi-Jons
• Eugene Jackson
• Johil de Oliveira
• Carlos “Carlao” Barreto
• Pedro Otavio
• Milton Bahia
• Nilson “Nilsão” de Castro
• Alexandre Barros
• Claudionor da Silva Fontinelle
• Haroldo “Cabelinho” Bunn
• Flavio Luiz Moura
At a time when MMA was still an underground spectacle, the WKN made history by bringing world-class kickboxing into the heart of the Vale Tudo scene. With fights taking place in some of the most brutal and unforgiving environments, this was a true test of warriors, where only the toughest survived.
One of the most controversial moments of the event came when Carlos “Carlao” Barreto dominated and submitted Pedro Otavio in spectacular fashion. UFC matchmaker John Perretti, unimpressed by how easily Barreto won, accused him of fighting in a “fixed” match. Outraged, Barreto nearly attacked Perretti before being restrained by Batarelli. The incident cost Barreto his chance to fight in the UFC, but he stood by his principles, defending the honor of Vale Tudo and his Carlson Gracie lineage.
During this exceptional event, WKN World President Stéphane Cabrera—who was also the Vice President of the IVC—was present as the official supervisor. The mastermind behind the event was Sergio Batarelli, the IVC President and a true pioneer of MMA worldwide, who not only organized legendary Vale Tudo fights but also hosted major WKN World Championships in Brazil.
Additionally, Elian Nouvel, a long-time WKN official, was present as a judge and referee, further strengthening the WKN’s presence in this unforgettable night of combat.
This moment will forever remain a milestone in combat sports history, proving once again that the WKN was fearless in pushing boundaries and bringing kickboxing to the most extreme arenas in the world.
Relive this legendary event with the official poster, a true symbol of a golden era in combat sports!
