GLORY is shuffling its plans for its largest occasion so far.
Initially scheduled as a two-day affair to happen June 13 and June 14, the packed GLORY 100 occasion now takes place solely on June 14, at Rotterdam Ahoy within the Netherlands.
The occasion is headlined by heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven defending towards former two-time gentle heavyweight champion and up to date Dana White Contender Collection contract winner Artem Vakhitov.
In line with a press launch Wednesday, the schedule change was made as a result of fan response to the potential value of attending two occasions that weekend.
“We’ve listened to the followers and determined to deliver the whole lot collectively into one main occasion,” GLORY CEO Marshall Zelaznik mentioned within the launch. “It was clear that our followers had been put within the place of getting to decide on between occasions and, frankly, it was an costly proposition to ask them to interact on two nights with GLORY 100. With the brand new format, it permits everybody to expertise the complete scope of GLORY 100 in a single night time – whether or not they’re attending dwell or watching from residence. It’s a strategy to mark this milestone within the sport’s historical past with making certain all of our followers can get pleasure from all the good fights and fighters on one nice occasion. In spite of everything, this a celebration of our nice sport, fighters, and followers.”
Verhoeven, 36, seeks his thirteenth consecutive protection of the GLORY heavyweight title. The Dutch legend is likely one of the most adorned kickboxers of all time and has not misplaced since 2015.
Vakhitov lately made headlines for an MMA win over Islem Masraf on Contender Collection that earned him a UFC contract supply this previous October. Nonetheless, the 34-year-old Russian declined to signal with the promotion, as a result of limitations on negotiations in relation to Contender Collection contracts. He was later supplied the chance to face Verhoeven.
“Beneath their protocols, they had been solely in a position to supply me the usual contract given to all DWCS signings,” Vakhitov mentioned. “My workforce tried to barter, however the UFC’s guidelines left no room for changes. I wish to be clear that I don’t take subject with their strategy—I respect their construction. However I’m a prizefighter, and I’ve a household to assist. I’ve a restricted window to profit from my profession.”
The choice dashed followers’ hopes of seeing Vakhitov step into the octagon towards longtime rival Alex Pereira. Vakhitov and Pereira cut up a two-fight sequence within the GLORY ring, with Vakhitov incomes a majority resolution to win their most up-to-date assembly in September 2021.
Three different GLORY title fights are set to happen June 14 as present gentle heavyweight champion Tarik Khbabez fights Sergej Maslobojev, middleweight champion Donovan Wisse fights Michael Boapeah, and featherweight champion Petch rematches Miguel Trindade.
GLORY 100 is about to air dwell June 14 on DAZN. See the lineup beneath, which additionally contains heavyweight event motion.
Rico Verhoeven vs. Artem Vakhitov
Tarik Khbabez vs. Sergej Maslobojev
Donovan Wisse vs. Michael Boapeah
Petch vs. Miguel Trindade
Mesud Selimovic vs. Iliass Hammouche
Jamal Ben Saddik vs. Sofian Laidouni
Tariq Osaro vs. Luigi Gashi
Bahram Rajabzadeh vs. Asdren Gashi
Mory Kromah vs. Alin Nechita
Serkan Ozcaglayan vs. Mohamed Touchassie
Berjan Peposhi vs. Deniz Demirkapu
Milos Cvjeticanin vs. Cem Caceres
Colin George vs. Nico Horta
Asadulla Nasipov vs. Anis Bouzid
Iraj Azizpour vs. Ionut Iancu
Iuri Fernandes vs. Samuele Pugliese
