Rotterdam braces for an unparalleled spectacle as GLORY Kickboxing prepares to host its landmark 100th event. More than just a fight night, GLORY 100 is a testament to the sport`s enduring power, packed with four championship clashes and a thrilling heavyweight tournament, all designed to cement legacies and crown new kings.
The Main Event: Verhoeven vs. Vakhitov – A Clash of Titans
At the epicenter of this historic card is a heavyweight title defense that promises fireworks: the undisputed “King of Kickboxing,” Rico Verhoeven, defends his coveted GLORY Heavyweight Championship against the formidable Artem Vakhitov. Verhoeven, a titan of the sport, has carved out an almost mythical status, dominating the division with a blend of technical prowess and sheer power. Vakhitov, a former Light Heavyweight champion, now steps into the heaviest division, bringing with him a relentless pressure style and a knockout threat that could challenge even Verhoeven’s seasoned reign. This isn`t just a fight; it`s a legacy-defining confrontation that has fans worldwide on the edge of their seats.
Four Crowns on the Line: Championship Fever
Beyond the heavyweight main event, three other GLORY titles are up for grabs, ensuring that the stakes remain astronomically high throughout the night. It`s almost as if GLORY decided to celebrate its centenary by making every other fight a championship bout—a welcome dilemma for fight enthusiasts, perhaps less so for the contenders` nerves.
- Light Heavyweight Championship: Tarik Khbabez vs. Sergej Maslobojev. A contest between two powerhouses, where every punch and kick could be the decider. Prepare for concussive exchanges.
- Middleweight Championship: Donovan Wisse vs. Michael Boapeah. Wisse, known for his relentless pace, faces Boapeah, a rising star with an aggressive style. Expect a high-octane battle for middleweight supremacy, where tactical precision meets raw aggression.
- Featherweight Championship: Petchpanomrung vs. Miguel Trindade. The technical mastery of Petchpanomrung meets the dynamic challenge of Trindade in what promises to be a clinic in striking. It`s a true martial arts chess match, albeit with significantly more impact.
Each of these bouts represents the pinnacle of their respective divisions, with champions defending their thrones against hungry challengers eager to make their mark on this monumental night.
The Heavyweight Tournament: A Path to Glory
As if four title fights weren`t enough, GLORY 100 also features the next stage of the “Last Heavyweight Standing” tournament. This bracket-style competition is a grueling test of endurance and skill, where heavyweights battle through multiple opponents in a single night, all vying for a shot at future championship glory. It`s a true gladiatorial spectacle, often producing unexpected heroes and unforgettable moments—and more than a few bruised egos, no doubt.
Rotterdam Ahoy: The Stage for History
The iconic Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands serves as the perfect backdrop for GLORY 100. This renowned venue, steeped in sporting history, will pulsate with the energy of thousands of passionate kickboxing fans, creating an atmosphere that is as much a part of the event as the fights themselves. For those attending, it promises an electrifying live experience; for those watching remotely, the roar of the crowd will undoubtedly carry through their screens, perhaps even rattling a few windows.
How to Watch GLORY 100: Your Global Guide
For fans unable to be ringside at the Rotterdam Ahoy, GLORY 100 offers extensive global viewing options to ensure no one misses a moment of the action. Prepare for a full day of elite kickboxing, commencing on Saturday, June 14.
Preliminary Card:
- Start Time: 15:00 Central European Time (CET)
- Platform: Exclusively free on the GLORY YouTube channel. A perfect warm-up to the main event, showcasing emerging talent and setting the stage.
Main Card:
- Start Time: 18:00 CET / 5 PM UK Time / 12 AM Eastern Time (ET) (June 15) / 9 AM Pacific Time (PT) (June 15)
- Platform: Live via DAZN Pay-Per-View. DAZN`s platform offers a seamless viewing experience from virtually anywhere in the world.
- Pricing: Typically €24.99 or $19.99 in most regions. Ensure to check local DAZN pricing for precise details.
Note: If DAZN Pay-Per-View is unavailable in your specific region, it is recommended to consult local sports broadcasting listings for alternative viewing avenues. Access to the event is contingent on regional availability and purchase.
A Century of Striking: What to Expect
GLORY 100 isn`t merely a fight card; it`s a declaration. It represents a century of hard-hitting action, strategic brilliance, and the unyielding spirit of kickboxing. With 20 fights scheduled, including four title showdowns and a heavyweight tournament, the evening is poised to deliver non-stop excitement. From the calculated strikes to the dramatic knockouts, expect an event that encapsulates everything fans love about combat sports. This is a night where legends are forged, and the future of kickboxing is irrevocably shaped. Don’t miss this landmark event that promises to be etched into the annals of kickboxing history, leaving us all to wonder how they’ll top it for GLORY 200.
Murray Blackwood