Tag: kickboxing

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:

When Heavyweight Badr Hari was Stunned by the Size of Alex Pereira

When Heavyweight Badr Hari was Stunned by the Size of Alex PereiraIn a surprising moment in combat sports, heavyweight kickboxer Badr Hari was left astonished by the size of Alex…

When Heavyweight Badr Hari was Stunned by the Size of Alex Pereira

In a surprising moment in combat sports, heavyweight kickboxer Badr Hari was left astonished by the size of Alex Pereira, who was merely a middleweight at the time. It was not until later that ‘Poatan’ would love to light heavyweight then to the UFC.

Badr Hari was Stunned by the Size of Alex Pereira

Badr Hari, a Dutch-Moroccan fighter, has long been known for his aggressive fighting style and knockouts in the ring. Throughout his career, Hari has faced top-tier fighters, with victories over the likes of Semmy Schilt, Peter Aerts, and Stefan Leko.

When Badr Hari met Alex Pereira, he expected the Brazilian fighter to be a light heavyweight or heavyweight but was taken aback when he learned that Pereira was only a middleweight. He stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 185 lb at that time. This meeting was in 2019.

‘Poatan’ is often described as a large fighter for his weight class, even at light heavyweight (205 lbs). The former Glory Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion has a presence that is noticeable even among bigger fighters. Badr Hari was a career heavyweight standing 6 foot 6 inches and approximately 250 lbs.

Badr Hari

‘Poatan‘ Alex Pereira has quickly made his mark in both kickboxing and MMA. Known for his striking power, Pereira became the first fighter to hold two weight class titles simultaneously in Glory. He transitioned to MMA and was able to pick up UFC world titles in both middleweight and light heavyweight. It was Pereira’s size that surprised even the towering Badr Hari.

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When Heavyweight Badr Hari was Stunned by the Size of Alex Pereira

When Heavyweight Badr Hari was Stunned by the Size of Alex PereiraIn a surprising moment in combat sports, heavyweight kickboxer Badr Hari was left astonished by the size of Alex…

When Heavyweight Badr Hari was Stunned by the Size of Alex Pereira

In a surprising moment in combat sports, heavyweight kickboxer Badr Hari was left astonished by the size of Alex Pereira, who was merely a middleweight at the time. It was not until later that ‘Poatan’ would love to light heavyweight then to the UFC.

Badr Hari was Stunned by the Size of Alex Pereira

Badr Hari, a Dutch-Moroccan fighter, has long been known for his aggressive fighting style and knockouts in the ring. Throughout his career, Hari has faced top-tier fighters, with victories over the likes of Semmy Schilt, Peter Aerts, and Stefan Leko.

When Badr Hari met Alex Pereira, he expected the Brazilian fighter to be a light heavyweight or heavyweight but was taken aback when he learned that Pereira was only a middleweight. He stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 185 lb at that time. This meeting was in 2019.

‘Poatan’ is often described as a large fighter for his weight class, even at light heavyweight (205 lbs). The former Glory Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion has a presence that is noticeable even among bigger fighters. Badr Hari was a career heavyweight standing 6 foot 6 inches and approximately 250 lbs.

Badr Hari

‘Poatan‘ Alex Pereira has quickly made his mark in both kickboxing and MMA. Known for his striking power, Pereira became the first fighter to hold two weight class titles simultaneously in Glory. He transitioned to MMA and was able to pick up UFC world titles in both middleweight and light heavyweight. It was Pereira’s size that surprised even the towering Badr Hari.

the current ufc light heavyweight champion alex pereira 64 v0 aefaav21vric1

Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Thrilled to Meet Towering Kickboxing Giantess “Very Tall!”

Manny Pacquiao excited to meet Tall Woman Katarina Kavaleva Giantess ToweringIn an exciting moment for combat sports fans, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao recently met the towering Belarusian kickboxer Katarina…

Manny Pacquiao excited to meet Tall Woman Katarina Kavaleva Giantess Towering

In an exciting moment for combat sports fans, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao recently met the towering Belarusian kickboxer Katarina Kavaleva, and it was clear that the two were thrilled to connect.

Manny Pacquiao excited to meet Tall Woman Katarina Kavaleva

During their meeting, Pacquiao greeted Kavaleva with an enthusiastic wave, clearly excited to meet the towering world kickboxing champion. The two shared a light-hearted moment when Kavaleva took a selfie with the Filipino boxing legend, and in turn, Pacquiao asked to snap a photo on his phone. Throughout the encounter, Manny Pacquiao was beaming, his happiness unmistakable as he spent time with the giantess of the kickboxing world.

Katarina Kavaleva stands at an impressive 6’5″ and weighs around 220 pounds, is well-known for her strength and success in the kickboxing ring. Last year, she gained attention for her viral video lifting UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili with ease. She is a fitness model and a former heavyweight kickboxing champion.

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Meanwhile, Pacquiao, a Filipino icon, is nearly a full foot shorter and almost 100 lbs smaller. He is celebrated for his record-breaking achievements in the boxing world, having claimed world titles in eight different weight classes. His legendary career and personality have made him one of the most beloved figures in sports history. In retirement, he has kept busy competing in various exhibition matches including a bout in RIZIN.

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The meeting sparked a flurry of excitement among fans who were thrilled to see these two athletes meet.

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K-1’s Carlos Kikuta Blasts ONE Championship: Is Chatri Sityodtong Mismanaging Millions?

K 1s Carlos Kikuta Blasts ONE Championship Is Chatri Sityodtong Mismanaging MillionsThe simmering tensions between Japan’s resurgent K-1 and Singapore-based ONE Championship have boiled over, with K-1 leader Carlos Kikuta…

K 1s Carlos Kikuta Blasts ONE Championship Is Chatri Sityodtong Mismanaging Millions

The simmering tensions between Japan’s resurgent K-1 and Singapore-based ONE Championship have boiled over, with K-1 leader Carlos Kikuta taking direct aim at ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong’s management. In a scathing statement, Kikuta raised questions about ONE’s financial practices and its sustainability.

K-1 Slams ONE Championship and Chatri Sityodtong

“Let’s be serious,” Kikuta said in a statement translated from Japanese regarding ONE Championship and Chatri Sityodtong, “ONE has raised more than $500 million in total from GIC, Temasek Holdings, Heliconia Capital, Mission Holdings, Sequoia Capital’s Indian and US funds, and Vulcan Capital, an investment company owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, among others, and raised another $50 million from the Qatar Investment Authority in October of this year. In other words, it has used up the more than 750 million yen it has raised so far and raised another 60 million yen. So, does ONE have a good manager or not?”

Carlos Kikuta Chatri Sityodtong

Kikuta’s remarks come as K-1 continues its rebirth under his administration, capitalizing on its storied history in Japan. Meanwhile, ONE Championship has been creating great quality events in Thailand and Tokyo. The two organizations are staring each other down with wins and losses on both sides.

ONE Championship vs. K-1 World GP

Chatri Sityodtong has positioned itself as Asia’s answer to the UFC but has faced scrutiny over its finances. The organization has raised over half a billion dollars in investment capital from high-profile entities, which was what Carlos Kikuta is citing. Various reports suggest that ONE has suffered significant losses. However, these statements have been largely rejected as false by ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Nevertheless, ONE recently booked the highly anticipated Takeru Segawa vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon in Tokyo for March, right in K-1’s backyard. This is one of the biggest fights of the generation, the best of kickboxing facing the best of Muay Thai. Additionally, many K-1 fighters have left the organization to compete in ONE Championship.

Carlos Kikuta

Carlos Kikuta took over as K-1 producer in July 2023 and has extensive experience in the combat sports world, including stints with GLORY the UFC, and K-1 in its early 2000s heyday. K-1’s strategy includes a significant international expansion in 2024. The promotion aims to hold nationwide tournaments in countries like Brazil, the Netherlands, the USA, and China, culminating in a year-end championship in Tokyo.

The rivalry between these two organizations may signal a broader shift in the combat sports landscape. For fans and fighters alike, the stakes have never been higher. Both companies are seeking to dominate the striking sports market with Japan on the line.

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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