GLORY 99 took place in a sold-out Rotterdam Ahoy arena, delivering a night of compelling kickboxing action.
The world`s premier kickboxing organization returned with the initial phase of its Last Heavyweight Standing Tournament. The event featured impactful knockouts, unexpected outcomes, and a notable controversial moment involving Sina Karimian, making for a night that was both chaotic and highly engaging.
Following their victories, the winners immediately participated in a draw to determine their seeding for the next stage. This has already set the pairings for GLORY 100, an event planned for June 13th and 14th, which will showcase four one-night tournaments spread across two days.
BEN SADDIK IN A TOUGH BATTLE AGAINST RISTEA
The main event saw Jamal Ben Saddik competing again after his impressive knockout win over Uku Jürjendal at GLORY 98. His opponent, Cristian Ristea, was returning to GLORY after a break since 2023 and aimed to recover from a recent loss to Rade Opacic at SENSHI 23.
In the initial rounds, Ben Saddik adopted a smart approach, avoiding being drawn into a slugfest with the quicker, younger Ristea. The Romanian fighter tried to provoke “The Goliath” into fighting carelessly, dropping his guard to entice wild swings for counters. After a brief pause in the second round to check a cut on Ben Saddik`s shin, the fighters abandoned caution, exchanging powerful hooks with fight-ending intent. However, in the final round, Ben Saddik reverted to his round-one strategy, maintaining distance and fighting tactically, successfully avoiding the traps set by his aggressive Romanian adversary.
The judges unanimously scored the fight for the Moroccan fighter, who exited the arena with a significant cut on his shin and a confirmed future bout against France`s Sofian Laidouni.
RAJABZADEH SECURES EXPLOSIVE KNOCKOUT
In the co-main event, Bahram Rajabzadeh began his campaign for tournament redemption, facing off against former K-1 World Grand Prix semi-finalist Brian Douwes.
`The Golden Wolf` had reached the later stages of two previous GLORY tournaments but never won outright, while Douwes sought to return to winning form after a stoppage defeat to Ahmed Krnjic in his last outing.
Rajabzadeh immediately pressured his veteran Dutch opponent from the start, unleashing hooks and leg kicks like a man on a mission. The crowd watched intently as Rajabzadeh landed heavy hooks to Douwes`s head; the Dutch fighter bravely endured the assault but couldn`t withstand the power of the fighter from Azerbaijan.
After being knocked down three times in the opening round, the referee stopped the fight, protecting Douwes from further damage. “The Golden Wolf” thus advanced to the second phase of the Last Heavyweight Standing Tournament.
HORTA ACHIEVES UPSET VICTORY OVER OPACIC
Once again, fighters transitioning from ONE Championship faced challenges on the GLORY stage, as the highly-regarded Rade Opacic suffered a stunning knockout loss to Nico Horta. This result was particularly surprising given that “Big Sexy” Horta had only secured three knockouts in his career spanning over 30 fights. Despite Horta`s unconventional style, Opacic started strongly, winning the first round after landing a solid overhand right followed by a combination of punches. However, as the fight continued, the Serbian fighter began to falter under Horta`s relentless pressure.
Horta capitalized in the second round. A precise one-two combination sent Opacic falling into the corner, leading the referee to end the contest and award Horta the most significant victory of his career.
KARIMIAN FIGHT MARKED BY CONTROVERSY
Predictably for many, the match between Sina Karimian and Tomasz Mozny was not without its controversial moments. Karimian, who has two no-contests in his recent three fights, was lightly struck by Mozny after the referee had called a break in the action. Not to be outdone, Karimian responded by landing a clean right hook that knocked Mozny down. Unfortunately, this also occurred after the referee had paused the fight and instructed the fighters to separate.
Following a point deduction for Karimian and Mozny`s recovery, the fight continued into the second round, which was still marred by fouls. Late hits and suspected low blows disrupted an otherwise interesting contest. Mozny`s sharp combinations paved the way for a unanimous decision victory; a spectacular superman punch followed by a three-punch combination was a highlight in a bout the big Slovak fighter won`t forget soon.
As for Karimian, he remains an enigma in kickboxing – always an exciting fighter, regardless of whether the action strictly adheres to the rules.
GLORY 99 FULL RESULTS
Jamal Ben Saddik def. Cristian Ristea – Unanimous Decision
Bahram Rajabzadeh def. Brian Douwes – KO (Three Knockdowns), R1 2:41
Tariq Osaro def. Benjamin Adegbuyi – KO (Referee Stoppage), R1 1:59
Nico Pereira Horta def. Rade Opačić – KO (Punch), R2 2:52
Miloš Cvjetićanin def. Nabil Khachab – Split Decision
Sofian Laïdouni def. Oleg Pryimachov – KO (Punches), R1 1:47
Asadulla Nasipov def. Murat Aygun – Unanimous Decision
Mory Kromah def. Nicolas Wamba – TKO (Leg Injury), R2 1:37
Tomáš Možný def. Sina Karimian – Unanimous Decision
Alin Nechita def. Ahmed Krnjić – Unanimous Decision
Ionut Iancu def. Cihad Kepenek – TKO (Corner Stoppage), R1 3:00
Iraj Azizpour def. Yuri Farcas – KO (Spinning Backfist), R2 1:17
Asdren Gashi def. Nidal Bchiri – Split Decision
Colin George def. Miroslav Vujović – KO (Arm Injury), R2 1:35
Anis Bouzid def. Nathan Cook – KO (Punches), R1 0:28
Luijg Gashi def. Petr Romankevich – Unanimous Decision
Gareth Tenby