Former K-1 featherweight (-57.5 kg) champion Taito Gunji has officially announced his return to competition. At a press conference held earlier today in Tokyo, Gunji revealed he will be making his debut under OFG (open-finger glove) Muay Thai rules in the KNOCK OUT promotion. His comeback fight is scheduled for June 22nd against former Rajadamnern champion Petchrungruang Sor.Jaruwan, following an eight-month period away from the ring.
Gunji is notable as the first among several fighters who recently departed K-1 to transition specifically into Muay Thai, rather than continuing in the sport of kickboxing.
It was disclosed two weeks prior that Gunji had ended his contractual agreement with K-1. Despite this, he will remain under contract with K-1 Gym Sohonbu for an additional six months.
When questioned about his motivations for exploring new opportunities after K-1, Gunji stated: `Back in K-1, I always said I wanted to fight aggressive fighters like the ones in ONE, but I never got the chance. I like the fighting style you see in ONE, and I think I’d match up well with it.`
Gareth Tenby 
Neville Woodall