The highly anticipated GLORY x RISE: Last Featherweight Standing tournament has just completed its thrilling opening phase, setting the stage for an even more intense Last 16 round. This unique collaboration between two of the world`s premier kickboxing organizations, GLORY and RISE, promises a spectacle of skill, power, and strategy as the planet`s top featherweights vie for ultimate supremacy.
A Torrent of Talent: Recapping the Opening Rounds
Fans have been treated to a captivating series of bouts, showcasing everything from gritty, hard-fought wars to technical masterclasses and explosive, highlight-reel finishes. The initial stages of the tournament served as a brutal proving ground, where only the most prepared and tenacious fighters emerged victorious, booking their coveted spots in the next phase. The collaborative spirit, while intensely competitive, has truly highlighted the depth of talent across both promotions, demonstrating kickboxing at its finest.
Early Victors Set the Tone
The initial clashes, spanning GLORY 101 and earlier RISE events, saw some expected names and exciting newcomers make their mark. On the GLORY side, Bobo Sacko demonstrated his resilience with a hard-earned victory over Jan Kaffa, while Aitor “Currito” Ibanez delivered an impressive promotional debut, overcoming Ayoub Bourass with a lively performance that left a strong impression. For RISE, Hiroki Kasahara outpointed the seasoned Thai striker Lompetch with a polished display of technical skill, and Petru Morari navigated the dangerous punching power of Sumiya Ito in a battle that showcased sheer grit and strategic defense. These initial triumphs were merely a prelude to the fireworks that were to follow.
GLORY 102 X RISE: The Final Four Qualifiers Ignite the Ring
The last four spots in the opening round were decided at the recent GLORY 102 X RISE event, delivering a quartet of fights that perfectly encapsulated the tournament`s fierce spirit and diverse fighting styles. The stakes were palpable, and the athletes delivered.
First, Yuro Kono made swift work of Dexiang Kong, showcasing surgical precision. A beautiful one-two combination from the 24-year-old Japanese fighter sent Kong to the canvas, reminding everyone that speed and accuracy can often be the most devastating weapons in the arsenal.
Next, in a memorable GLORY debut, Archaf Aasila put on an infighting masterclass against fellow debutant Louis Saing. Aasila, the former Italian Bantamweight champion, demonstrated his prowess with a perfectly timed spinning backkick to the body in the second round that dropped Saing. While Saing bravely survived the onslaught, the unanimous decision ultimately went to Aasila, a clear statement of intent from the new contender with a flair for the dramatic.
The classic clash between raw power and refined technique saw another decisive win for finesse when Yutaro Asahi faced Eduardo Catalin. Asahi meticulously slipped much of Catalin`s aggressive offense, patiently turning the tide with a barrage of knees to the body in the second round. He then sealed his fate in spectacular fashion, delivering an incredible head kick in the final minute of the third round that left Catalin unconscious. It was a stark, almost poetic, demonstration of strategic brilliance culminating in undeniable force.
Finally, Denis Wosik secured his advancement by relentlessly pressuring his late replacement opponent, Suarek, for three full rounds. The Thai veteran struggled to keep pace, resorting to excessive clinching as the fight wore on and his calf became compromised. Despite his clear dominance and the visible toll on Suarek, Wosik, in a moment of subtle irony, couldn`t quite secure that elusive first stoppage in eight years. A comprehensive victory nonetheless, Wosik`s relentless style has earned him his well-deserved spot in the next stage.
The Road Ahead: Last 16 — Qualifiers Meet Champions
With the opening rounds concluded, the tournament now elevates to an entirely new level. The Last 16 stage is set to deliver an unprecedented series of clashes, pitting the hard-earned qualifiers against the established titans and top-seeded entrants of both GLORY and RISE. This is where strategic game plans meet championship-level experience.
RISE`s Ascent: Tokyo Awaits
On the RISE side, the four formidable qualifiers – Hiroki Kasahara, Petru Morari, Yuro Kono, and Yutaro Asahi – are preparing for their toughest challenges yet. They will face the organization`s elite four seeded entrants: the dynamic Chadd Collins, the celebrated Taiju Shiratori, the formidable Kento Haraguchi, and the seasoned veteran Lee Sung-Hyun. While the specific matchups are still under wraps, the anticipation is electric. These high-stakes bouts are scheduled for November 2nd, at the legendary Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan – a venue steeped in martial arts history, promising to amplify the drama of every exchange.
GLORY`s Gauntlet: The World Watches
The GLORY side of the bracket is equally stacked with world-class talent. The four successful qualifiers – Bobo Sacko, Aitor Ibanez, Achraf Aasila, and Denis Wosik – will now contend with GLORY`s own top four featherweights. This includes the dominant reigning champion Petchpanomrung, the dangerous Miguel Trindade, the always-exciting Abraham Vidales, and the relentless Berjan Peposhi. Information regarding the exact dates and thrilling match-ups for GLORY`s Last 16 will be announced in the coming weeks, ensuring fans worldwide remain on the edge of their seats, eager to see who among these elite will blink first.
The Road to the Grand Final
The tournament maintains its rigorous single-elimination format, a true test of sustained excellence. The Last 16 will be whittled down to a Last 8, with each stage featuring intense, winner-take-all single bouts. The eventual Final 4 will showcase one RISE semifinal and one GLORY semifinal, both electrifying contests held on the same momentous night. The winners of these battles will then meet later that very evening in the grand final, where only one will be crowned the undisputed Last Featherweight Standing. It`s a brutal, beautiful path to glory, demanding unparalleled skill, heart, and endurance from every participant.
As the GLORY x RISE: Last Featherweight Standing tournament advances, the stakes have never been higher. With elite talent from both organizations converging, the coming rounds promise not just fights, but historic moments in kickboxing. Prepare for an unmissable spectacle where legends will be forged, and only one featherweight will stand tall, having truly earned the title.
Gareth Pendleton 
Murray Blackwood