GLORY 104: Khbabez Reclaims Light Heavyweight Crown in Rotterdam Thriller

Rotterdam, Netherlands — The air crackled with anticipation as GLORY 104 unfolded on Saturday night, delivering an evening of high-stakes kickboxing that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From a grueling main event title fight to a dramatic disqualification and unexpected heavyweight triumphs, the event proved to be a pivotal moment in the GLORY calendar.

Khbabez vs. Rajabzadeh: A War for the Light Heavyweight Gold

The main event saw a rematch of titans as Tarik Khbabez stepped into the ring to reclaim the GLORY Light Heavyweight world title against Bahram Rajabzadeh. This was not merely a fight; it was a five-round odyssey of attrition, a testament to sheer willpower from both combatants. From the opening bell, neither fighter ceded an inch, trading formidable blows in a relentless exchange that defined the bout.

Khbabez, often described as “The Tank,” faced an early setback, suffering a knockdown in the first round. Yet, true to his moniker, he absorbed the impact and rallied with an unwavering, aggressive pressure that gradually shifted the momentum. His relentless forward movement and powerful combinations ultimately swayed the judges, earning him a hard-fought majority decision. With this victory, Khbabez triumphantly regained the belt he had lost earlier in the year, cementing his position at the pinnacle of the light heavyweight division.

In a moment that cast a shadow of uncertainty over the celebration, Bahram Rajabzadeh, “The Golden Wolf,” announced his retirement from the sport immediately following the decision. While his heart and resilience throughout the five rounds were undeniable, the timing of his announcement leaves room for speculation. Was it a genuine farewell, or merely the raw frustration born from a razor-thin defeat in an instant classic? Only time will tell if “The Golden Wolf” will truly hang up his gloves for good.

Heavyweight Prospects Emerge for COLLISION 8

Beyond the title fight, GLORY 104 also served as a critical stepping stone for two heavyweights vying for a spot in the prestigious “Last Heavyweight Standing Final” at COLLISION 8. The tournament delivered its fair share of surprises, showcasing both skill and unexpected upsets.

• Sofian Laidouni of France emerged as a dark horse, defying expectations with back-to-back victories. He first overcame the tournament favorite, Levi Rigters, in a significant upset, and then followed it up with another impressive win against Nabil Khachab. Laidouni`s disciplined approach and calculated attacks earned him his ticket to the finals.
• Serbia’s Milos Cvjeticanin also punched his ticket with a dominant display. He navigated his path through the bracket with compelling wins over Alin Nechita and his compatriot Rade Opacic. Cvjeticanin demonstrated a blend of power and technique, solidifying his status as a serious contender.

Both Laidouni and Cvjeticanin have now secured their places in the eagerly anticipated Last Heavyweight Standing Final, set to electrify Arnhem in December.

Card Highlights: Dominance, Debut, and Disqualification

The undercard provided a diverse array of action and talking points:

• In the Last Featherweight Standing tournament, Berjan Peposhi skillfully outpointed Aitor Ibanez, advancing his quest for featherweight supremacy.
• Miguel Trindade delivered a thoroughly dominant performance against late replacement Halil Kutukcu in their catchweight bout, leaving no doubt about his superior form.
• The bout between Sergej Braun and Iliass Hammouche concluded in a rather unusual fashion. Braun secured a win via disqualification in the second round after Hammouche, following a knockdown, quite literally threw a fit. His refusal to continue the fight in what can only be described as a rather undignified protest compelled the referee to wave off the contest and issue the disqualification. It was a stark reminder that even in the heat of battle, sportsmanship (or the lack thereof) can significantly influence the outcome.