GLORY returned to a packed GelreDome football stadium in Arnhem, the Netherlands on Saturday night, March 9. 20,000 enthusiastic fans cheered for the eight Heavyweights that faced off in a one-night tournament to crown a new king. Additionally, the Lightweight and Light Heavyweight titles were fiercely contested to round out the card.
{Rico Verhoeven} was the winner of the night as he defeated {Sofian Laïdouni} in the quarterfinals, dispatched of popular Moroccan {Nabil Khachab} in the most lackluster performance of the night in the semis before finishing {Levi Rigters} in the final. Rigters, who was visibly hurt going into the final put in a valiant effort, almost knocking out Verhoeven down with a flush spinning back fist.
Rigters himself had possible the toughest tournament run as he was knocked down in both his fights against {Uku Jürjendal} and {Bahram Rajabzadeh}, but persevered to edge his way to the final.
Bahram Rajabzadeh quickly became a fan-favorite in the tournament with his athletic and all-out fighting style. After the tournament, his manager talked to "The Main Event" and confirmed his plans to go down back to Light Heavyweight, where he – without a doubt – will be right in title contention having only lost to former champion {Sergej Maslobojev}.
In addition to the GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix, {Tarik Khbabez} became the undisputed GLORY Light Heavyweight champion with a close split decision victory over {Donegi Abena}. {Tyjani Beztati} didn't have much trouble successfully defending his Lightweight title for the fifth time as he dismantled German fighter {Enriko Kehl} over the full duration of 15 minutes.
Fans were curious if the long-reigning champion confirms his intention to now move up to Welterweight with GLORY's intention to put Lightweight on hold.
GLORY HEAVYWEIGHT GRAND PRIX
MAIN CARD
Rico Verhoeven def. Levi Rigters – TKO at 2:59 of R2
Tarik Khbabez def. Donegi Abena – Light Heavyweight Championship – Split Decision
Iliass Hammouche def. Ivan Galaz – Unanimous Decision
Rico Verhoeven def. Nabil Khachab – Unanimous Decision
Levi Rigters def. Bahram Rajabzadeh – Unanimous Decision
Tyjani Beztati def. Enriko Kehl – Lightweight Championship – Unanimous Decision
Rico Verhoeven def. Sofian Laïdouni – Unanimous Decision
Nabil Khachab def. Benjamin Adegbuyi – Unanimous Decision
Bahram Rajabzadeh def. Tariq Osaro – Unanimous Decision
Levi Rigters def. Uku Jürjendal – KO at 1:48 of R2
Cihad Kepenk def. Michał Bławdziewicz – KO at 2:55 of R2
Source: beyondkick.com