Tag: GLORY Kickboxing

GLORY Kickboxing Reveals 32-Man Lineup for Historic ‘Last Heavyweight Standing’ Tournament

GLORY Kickboxing Sets Stage with 32-Man Lineup for Historic 'Last Heavyweight Standing' TournamentIf you love world-class kickboxing, 2025 just got a lot more exciting. GLORY, the biggest kickboxing organization in the…

GLORY Kickboxing Sets Stage with 32-Man Lineup for Historic 'Last Heavyweight Standing' Tournament

If you love world-class kickboxing, 2025 just got a lot more exciting.

GLORY, the biggest kickboxing organization in the world, is set to launch a massive 32-man heavyweight tournament featuring the best of the best in 10-ounce gloves. The festivities are scheduled to kick off on Saturday, April 25 with a 16-fight card featuring all heavyweight fights. The event will emanate from Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands and be followed by four more yet-to-be-announced fight cards.

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Check out the official press release from GLORY Kickboxing below:

“Kickboxing historically has been defined by tournaments, now GLORY will redefine tournaments with the introduction of ‘Last Heavyweight Standing’, the biggest heavyweight tournament in the history of combat sports.

“This year-long five-event tournament will kick off April 5 at ‘GLORY 99: Last Heavyweight Standing’ at the Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands with a mega sixteen-fight all-heavyweight card. The match-ups all being decided by a random draw. Over the course of 2025, fighters will enter qualifying tournaments and career defining matchups until the final eight remain for an epic one-night end of year tournament to decide who will be the ‘Last Heavyweight Standing.’

“This week, the field of heavyweights was finalised as the last remaining entrants were confirmed.

“Among the participants, former two-time heavyweight challenger Jamal Ben Saddik, former interim-champion Tariq ‘Cookie’ Osaro, new signing & top five in the world Rade Opacic, the wild & unpredictable Bahram Rajabzadeh, and fan favourite Nabil ‘The Tank’ Khachab.”

Full list of 32 fighters Revealed for Historic GLORY Kickboxing Tourney

And here’s a list of all 32 fighters scheduled to compete in the tournament courtesy of MMA Mania:

  • ‘The Romanian Tank’ Ionut Iancu (30-10, 12 KO)
  • Ahmed ‘Bosnian Steel’ Krnji? (14-3-1, 4 KO)
  • Uku Jürjendal (20-9, 16 KO)
  • Tariq ‘Cookie’ Osaro (26-4-1, 13 KO)
  • ‘The Golden Wolf’ Bahram Rajabzadeh (70-4, 61 KO)
  • ‘The Goliath’ Jamal Ben Saddik (36-9, 29 KO)
  • Rade Opa?i? (21-6, 16 KO)
  • ‘Murat ‘The Butcher’ Aygün (32-4, 8 KO)
  • Sofian Laïdouni (37-4-1, 18 KO)
  • ‘Mr. Gentlemen’ Benjamin Adegbuyi (35-8, 20 KO)
  • ‘Big Sexy’ Nico Horta (23-10, 3 KO)
  • Yuri Farcas (13-3-1, 6 KO)
  • Oleh Pryimachov (16-5, 5 KO)
  • Anis ‘Takamura’ Bouzid (45-4, 36 KO)
  • Asdren Gashi (18-4-1, 9 KO)
  • Luigi Gashi (15-4, 4 KO)
  • Miloš Cvjeti?anin (11-3, 8 KO)
  • ‘The Gladiator’ Christian Ristea (44-25, 13 KO)
  • Colin ‘The Beast’ George (23-12, 21 KO)
  • Cihad Kepenek (23-7, 16 KO)
  • Alin ‘The Beast’ Nechita (16-1, 7 KO)
  • Nicolas ‘Junior’ Wamba (75-7, 24 KO)
  • ‘The Bulldozer’ Petr Romankevich (29-9, 10 KO)
  • Asadulla Nasipov (10-1, 5 KO)
  • Iraj Azizipour (69-7, 27 KO)
  • Brian ‘The Hitman’ Douwes (42-26-1, 31 KO)
  • Tomáš ‘The Giant Slovak’ Možný (21-10, 7 KO)
  • ‘The Soldier’ Nidal Bchiri (19-4-1, 4 KO)
  • Miroslav Vujovic (11-7, 8 KO)
  • Nathan ‘The Axe’ Cook (7-2, 6 KO)
  • Sina ‘Hero’ Karimian (16-4, 8 KO)
  • Nabil ‘The Tank’ Khachab (29-5-1, 4 KO)

Interestingly, GLORY heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven is not among the 32-man bracket. GLORY CEO Marshall Zelaznik explained at the press event that the bracket has been set up to assume that Verhoeven will not be competing.

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It is possible that Verhoeven could enter the tournament in a wild card spot or simply continue to defend his crown against other potential contenders not competing in the “Last Heavyweight Standing” tourney.

Verhoeven has been the promotion’s heavyweight world titleholder since 2013.

Devastating Knee to the Face Drops Fighter in Explosive GLORY Kickboxing Clash

Devastating Knee to the Face Drops Fighter in Explosive GLORY Kickboxing ClashEven with the lack of MMA during the holiday season, there was no shortage of bloody brawls and brutal…

Devastating Knee to the Face Drops Fighter in Explosive GLORY Kickboxing Clash

Even with the lack of MMA during the holiday season, there was no shortage of bloody brawls and brutal knockouts at GLORY Kickboxing’s latest event.

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On December 21, Glory’s RISE World Series 2024 Final delivered a slew of highlight-reel finishes, perhaps none bigger than the one that Yutaro Asahi scored against Jan Kaffa in their reserve bout for the featherweight grand prix tournament.

At the 1:15 mark of the third round, Asahi caught Kaffa with a horrifying flying knee that sent the Dutchman crashing to the canvas. Somehow, Kaffa climbed back to his feet and kept throwing his hands until getting hit with another knee that put him on the mat for a second and final time.

While the finish did come with a hint of controversy, both fighters let their fists fly for nearly three full rounds before the dueling knees brought an end to the action.

As exciting as Asahi vs. Kaffa was, they were shown up just a few fights later when Sung Hyun Lee and Berjan Peposhi delivered a beautiful back-and-forth brawl that saw both fighters eat the canvas in the second stanza.

Lee went on to win the bout via majority decision but lost to eventual grand prix tournament winner Petchpanomrung Kiatmoo9 in the semifinals.

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Miguel Trindade Shines at GLORY Kickboxing’s final card of 2024

Though he didn’t go on to win the tournament, Portugal’s Miguel Trindade delivered a pair of knockouts in the quarter and semifinal rounds that made him the MVP of the event.

Trindade got his night started with a brutal knockout of Kento Haraguchi after catching his opponent with a massive overhand right with one second left in the opening round.

He followed that up with a 62-second KO against Chadd Collins with a brutal knee against the ropes.

Check out a full recap of GLORY’s featherweight grand prix tournament below:

The Return of Jamal Ben Saddik: Moroccan Kickboxing Star Set for February 2025 Comeback

The Return of Jamal Ben Saddik: Moroccan Kickboxing Star Set for February 2025 ComebackOne of the most celebrated heavyweights in kickboxing, Jamal Ben Saddik (36-9, 29 KO), is poised to make his…

The Return of Jamal Ben Saddik: Moroccan Kickboxing Star Set for February 2025 Comeback

One of the most celebrated heavyweights in kickboxing, Jamal Ben Saddik (36-9, 29 KO), is poised to make his long-awaited return to the ring. After more than two years of absence, the Belgian-Moroccan fighter is scheduled to compete again in February 2025.

Jamal Ben Saddik’s Next Fight

At 34 years old, Jamal Ben Saddik remains a towering figure in the sport, both literally and figuratively. Nicknamed “The Goliath” for his impressive 2.05-meter (6-foot-9) frame and 119 kg (263 lbs) weight, Ben Saddik is known for his powerful striking.

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A Career of Highs and Lows

Jamal Ben Saddik’s career has been marked by significant achievements and controversies. A two-time Glory Heavyweight Championship challenger, he claimed the Glory Heavyweight Grand Prix title in 2018, solidifying his status as one of the elite fighters in the division. His rivalry with all-time great Rico Verhoeven is regarded as one of the most iconic in GLORY history.

Between 2015 and 2021, he was consistently ranked among the top ten heavyweights. But his career was interrupted by doping violations, leading to multiple suspensions and his removal from rankings.

In 2018, he overcame a personal battle with cancer. Yet, his challenges extended beyond the sport. In 2024, Ben Saddik faced legal troubles, including charges of kidnapping and assault linked to a drug smuggling dispute. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and fined 40,000 euros for money laundering.

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Suspension and Redemption

Ben Saddik’s most recent suspension, a 10-month ban by GLORY Kickboxing after testing positive for a banned substance, kept him sidelined until January 2025. Despite these setbacks, he remains an enduring figure in the sport, with a loyal fan base.

Ben Saddik’s return in February 2025 is highly anticipated by fans and observers.

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Rico Verhoeven Keeps Heavyweight Throne Against Levi Rigters at Collision 7

Rico Verhoeven vs. Levi Rigters Results (2) GLORY Collision 7The main event of GLORY Collision 7 saw Rico Verhoeven look to defend his heavyweight title against the towering…

Rico Verhoeven vs. Levi Rigters Results (2) GLORY Collision 7

The main event of GLORY Collision 7 saw Rico Verhoeven look to defend his heavyweight title against the towering Levi Rigters. After five rounds of action, the two heavyweight strikers traded knockdowns. But in the end, Verhoeven remains the ‘King of Kickboxing.’

Rico Verhoeven vs. Levi Rigters Results

Rico Verhoeven and Levi Rigters met in the final match of the heavyweight Grand Prix earlier this year. It was a dominant match for the Dutch-born Verhoeven until Rigters landed a spinning back fist that sent him tumbling. The all-time great Verhoeven quickly recovered and finished the fight a minute later. After a win, Levi Rigters, of The Netherlands, put himself at the top of the division looking to avenge his loss and capture the GLORY heavyweight world title.

‘The King of Kickboxing’ Verhoeven walked out with an army of Roman centurions, holding spears, chanting for their monarch. He then performed his signature sprint to the ring with flames and the audience screaming.

Sharp punching combinations and inside leg kicks landed early for Rico Verhoeven, looking a few steps ahead of his opponent in the first round. The heavyweight champion ate a hard calf kick and returned with a leg kick to the thigh. Verhoeven got knocked down due to a groin kick and the referee began a ten-count, causing confusion in the ring. It was not scored a knockdown after a quick review. Rigters finished the round strong with a right cross.

Verhoeven landed kicks and punches in round two but a stiff lead jab from Rigters seemed to interrupt the tempo of his opponent. The Dutch strikers trade heavy rearhand crosses. The champion threw a series of high kicks then pressured and threw a flurry to the body. The forward pressure from the heavyweight champion was keeping the hefty kicker on the back foot stifling much of his gameplan.

Double and triple jabs, combined into leg kicks, land with authority for the ‘King of Kickboxing’ in round 3, as Rigters seems unable to mount any meaningful offense. A stunning hook from Rigters landed and Verhoeven crashed to the canvas. He is clearly shaken as he rises to his feet. But the round 3 bell sounds and Rigters is unable to capitalise.

The two heavyweights trade punches and kicks in round 4, with both looking for an edge but neither wants to commit due to how high the stakes are. To counter the jab, Verhoeven lands a booming overhand that drops Rigters. Entering the fifth and final round, each man has scored one knockdown.

Levi Rigters opens round 5 throwing heavy overhands looking for a knockout blow but Rico Verhoeven pushes back with jabs to the body and head. Jabs into low kicks score for the reigning champion to control the final round. The towering Rigters attempted a flying knee and scissor kicks to close the round but Rico Verhoeven defended himself flawlessly.

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GLORY COLLISION 7 Results

Rico Verhoeven defeated Levi Rigters by Unanimous Decision (47-46 x2, 48-45 x3) – For the Heavyweight Title
Tarik Khbabez defeated Donegi Abena by Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46 x2, 50-45) – for the Light Heavyweight Championship
Bahram Rajabzadeh defeated Daniel Stefanovski by TKO (3 Knockdowns). Round 1 – 2:30
Sergej Maslobojev defeated ?tefan L?tescu by Unanimous Decision
Cem Caceres Aygun defeated Pascal Touré by Unanimous Decision
Sofian Laïdouni defeated Ionut Iancu by Unanimous Decision
Mory Kromah defeated Miloš Cvjeti?anin by Unanimous Decision
Younes Smaili defeated Tayfun Özcan by Split Decision
Serkan Özça?layan defeated Ramy Deghir by Unanimous Decision
Endy Semeleer defeated Jay Overmeer by Unanimous Decision
Oleg Pryimachov defeated Abderrahman Barkouch by Unanimous Decision
Ayoub Bourass defeated Anass Ahmidouch-Fatah by Split Decision

Tarik Khbabez wins close decision to retain title in five round war against Donegi Abena

Tarik Khbabez vs. Donegi Abena Results GLORY Collision 7After one win each, Tarik Khbabez and Donegi Abena fought in a trilogy match at GLORY Collision 7, with…

Tarik Khbabez vs. Donegi Abena Results GLORY Collision 7

After one win each, Tarik Khbabez and Donegi Abena fought in a trilogy match at GLORY Collision 7, with the light heavyweight title on the line. After a relentless five-round war, Morocco’s Tarik Khbabez keeps his title and calls out Rico Verhoeven.

Tarik Khbabez vs. Donegi Abena Results

The Surinamese-Dutch Abena held the division title until Tarik Khbabez, of Morocco, took the throne by close, and contentious, split decision. Next, the division was thrown into a Grand Prix in which Abena avenged this loss via TKO and took the entire tournament crown. But, Khbabez remained the champion as the division title was not on the line. Tarik Khbabez vs. Donegi Abena 3 was a grudge match for the light heavyweight division crown at GLORY Collision 7.

After not touching gloves, round 1 kicked off with both men trading flurries mixing calf kicks and punches upstairs. Donegi Abena was focused on body punches while Tarik Khbabez used calf kicks. Both men clearly had a game plan utilizing calf kicks as both were throwing them furiously and continuously throughout round 1. It was a spirited opening round as neither man backed down.

‘The Tank’ Tarik Khbabez was throwing bombs in round 2 but left himself open to a hard counter from Abena, and the two then traded flurries in the pocket. An inside leg kick turned Khbabez all the way around and Abena was unable to press his advantage as the Moroccan was continuously pressuring. While Abena was landing more strikes, Khbabez was landing bombs which were clearly having an impact. The scores were even at this point of the fight.

Khbabez attacked inside flurries to open round 3 and Abena was unable to get his opponent off of him as ‘The Tank’ was attacking with flurries. Abena switched his game and attacked with inside leg kicks and knees to slow his opponent down. Khbabez was slowing down towards the end of the round and Abena was kicking his opponent’s leg heavily, even scoring trips but ‘The Tank’ was still throwing back punches with authority.

Opening round 4, Donegi Abena was landing solid body punches and calf kicks which were sending his opponent stumbling, but ‘The Tank’ was still throwing back in combination. The Surinamese-Dutch lays on a Muay Thai clinch and lands knees in combination and later adds a mean left hook. Khbabez did not let up, he continued to march forward throwing kicks and punches in combination. The punches begin to add up scoring for the Moroccan in the final minute of the round.

In the fifth and final round, both men continue the relentless pace, trading kicks and flurries to the head. Both men land heavy punches, Abena lands knees while Khbabez lands kicks. The Surinamese-Dutch striker is working the body while ‘The Tank’ is attacking in combination. Both men slug it out in the last ten seconds.

After the fight, Donegi Abena left his gloves in the ring as he announced the end of his kickboxing career.

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GLORY COLLISION 7 Results

Rico Verhoeven vs. Levi Rigters – For the Heavyweight Title
Tarik Khbabez def. Donegi Abena by Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46 x2, 50-45) – for the Light Heavyweight Championship
Bahram Rajabzadeh defeated Daniel Stefanovski by TKO (3 Knockdowns). Round 1 – 2:30
Sergej Maslobojev defeated ?tefan L?tescu by Unanimous Decision
Cem Caceres Aygun defeated Pascal Touré by Unanimous Decision
Sofian Laïdouni defeated Ionut Iancu by Unanimous Decision
Mory Kromah defeated Miloš Cvjeti?anin by Unanimous Decision
Younes Smaili defeated Tayfun Özcan by Split Decision
Serkan Özça?layan defeated Ramy Deghir by Unanimous Decision
Endy Semeleer defeated Jay Overmeer by Unanimous Decision
Oleg Pryimachov defeated Abderrahman Barkouch by Unanimous Decision
Ayoub Bourass defeated Anass Ahmidouch-Fatah by Split Decision

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Bahram Rajabzadeh Gets a Quick First Round Finish against Daniel Stefanovski at Collision 7

Bahram Rajabzadeh vs. Daniel Stefanovski Results GLORY Collision 7Fan favorite Bahram Rajabzadeh faced Daniel Stefanovski at GLORY Collision 7 in the competitive light heavyweight division. The Azerbaijani…

Bahram Rajabzadeh vs. Daniel Stefanovski Results GLORY Collision 7

Fan favorite Bahram Rajabzadeh faced Daniel Stefanovski at GLORY Collision 7 in the competitive light heavyweight division. The Azerbaijani fighter gets it done quickly with punches, knees, and kicks.

Bahram Rajabzadeh vs. Daniel Stefanovski Results

Azerbaijan’s Bahram Rajabzadeh is well-known and celebrated for his aggressive style. He tries to swarm his opponent with punches and is always charging forward. This fighting style has made him a popular figure among combat sports fans. While former ISKA champion Daniel Stefanovski was making his debut in the organization at GLORY Collision 7. He competed in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight tournaments this past year.

‘The Wolf’ Rajabzadeh opened this light heavyweight bout mixing leg kicks and head punches in combating. He threw A scissor knee and a head kick in the corner as his opponent shelled up. Halw way threw round 1, a calf kick sent Stefanovski to the canvas, and was given a ten count.

The second knockdown from Rajabzadeh was scored just seconds later due to a knee strike. Seconds after, Rajabzadeh delivers a front kick that puts his opponent on the mat. Three knockdowns in one round, and ‘The Wolf’ earns the first stoppage victory of the evening.

Bahram Rajabzadeh’s emphatic performance at GLORY Collision 7 showcased why he remains a fan favorite in the light heavyweight division. His relentless aggression, diverse striking arsenal, and ability to dominate early sealed the first-round stoppage against Daniel Stefanovski. With this victory, ‘The Wolf’ further solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in combat sports.

GLORY COLLISION 7 Results

Rico Verhoeven vs. Levi Rigters – For the Heavyweight Title
Tarik Khbabez vs. Donegi Abena – For the Light Heavyweight Title
Bahram Rajabzadeh defeated Daniel Stefanovski by TKO (3 Knockdowns). Round 1 – 2:30
Sergej Maslobojev defeated ?tefan L?tescu by Unanimous Decision
Cem Caceres Aygun defeated Pascal Touré by Unanimous Decision
Sofian Laïdouni defeated Ionut Iancu by Unanimous Decision
Mory Kromah defeated Miloš Cvjeti?anin by Unanimous Decision
Younes Smaili defeated Tayfun Özcan by Split Decision
Serkan Özça?layan defeated Ramy Deghir by Unanimous Decision
Endy Semeleer defeated Jay Overmeer by Unanimous Decision
Oleg Pryimachov defeated Abderrahman Barkouch by Unanimous Decision
Ayoub Bourass defeated Anass Ahmidouch-Fatah by Split Decision

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Bahram Rajabzadeh