GLORY 99 Kicks Off Historic Tournament: 32 Heavyweights, 1 Champion

The stage is set for GLORY 99, where 32 of the world’s most dangerous heavyweight kickboxers will battle for supremacy in the largest tournament in combat sports history, live on DAZN.

This five-event Grand Prix promises fireworks with a mix of seasoned veterans, breakout stars, and young talents looking to make their mark in kickboxing history. 

GLORY Kickboxing is set to launch its boldest endeavour yet, the Last Heavyweight Standing tournament. Hosted at Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands, this historic event will feature 32 of the world’s most dangerous heavyweights battling in 16 fights across one night.

Catch all the action on DAZN PPV worldwide, but free-to-air in the Netherlands, and witness the opening round of a year-long tournament that promises to redefine kickboxing history.

Here’s a breakdown of the key matchups on April 5 at GLORY 99.

Jamal Ben Saddik vs. Cristian Ristea

Jamal Ben Saddik returns to the ring after his head-kick knockout earlier this year. The Belgian-Moroccan is known for his pressure and durability, Ben Saddik thrives on cornering opponents and unleashing flurries of strikes. 

Cristian Ristea, on the other hand, is a relentless body attacker who uses knees and punches to break opponents down. His defensive shell allows him to absorb punishment while closing distance and swarming opponents with constant pressure. 

This clash is set to be a battle of attrition as Ristea tests whether Ben Saddik’s durability can hold up after so many years in the sport.

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Brian Douwes vs. Bahram Rajabzadeh

Bahram Rajabzadeh is a must-watch athlete with an aggressive style reminiscent of a young Wanderlei Silva. The Azerbaijani striker specializes in heavy hooks that set up brutal clinch knees and head kicks capable of penetrating even the tightest guard. His relentless forward pressure ensures chaos from the opening bell.

Brian Douwes brings a Muay Thai base to this matchup, relying on teeps, switch kicks, and body attacks to wear down opponents. However, Douwes has been known to start slow and leave openings early, something Rajabzadeh will look to exploit with his knockout power.

Rade Opačić vs. “Big Sexy” Nico Pereira Horta

Serbia’s Rade Opačić is a towering presence who uses his long jab and body kicks to control distance before closing in for devastating knee strikes and combinations. His ability to fight tall makes him a formidable challenge for any opponent.

“Big Sexy” Nico Pereira Horta likes to counter with slick head movement and sharp counter-punching skills. Training alongside elite fighters such as Levi Rigters, Horta uses double and triple jabs combined with footwork to corner opponents while evading danger himself. This matchup pits Opačić’s size against Horta’s precision.

Nabil Khachab vs. Miloš Cvjetićanin

Nabil Khachab, nicknamed The Tank, is a rising star who relies on relentless forward pressure and explosive combinations, including his signature jab-calf kick attack. With youth and cardio on his side, Khachab is poised to make waves in this tournament.

Miloš Cvjetićanin brings knockout power and crisp boxing into this fight as the K-1 Eastern European champion. Comfortable fighting as an undersized heavyweight, Cvjetićanin uses low kicks to set up powerful punching combinations that can end fights quickly.

Nabil Khachab will look to use his weight advantage against Miloš Cvjetićanin in what is shaping up to be a phone booth battle.
 

Cookie’ Tariq Osaro vs. Benjamin Adegbuyi

‘Cookie’ Kevin Tariq Osaro looked unstoppable in his breakout year 2023, where he won a one-night tournament via knockout and spectacularly defeated Antonio Plazibat. The Nigerian-Dutch striker combines devastating power with skilful head movement to evade and counter his opponents. Osaro’s ability to mix high and low strikes makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in this tournament.

Standing across from him is Benjamin Adegbuyi, a Romanian veteran who has faced nearly every top heavyweight in the division. Adegbuyi is known for his volume striking and fearlessness, he famously stood toe-to-toe with Badr Hari without backing down. 

Expect fireworks as Adegbuyi looks to overwhelm Osaro with combinations while Osaro aims to land fight-ending shots early. 

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Sofian Laidouni vs. Oleg Pryimachov

Sofian Laidouni utilizes quick footwork and fast punching combinations centered around his lethal left cross. The French southpaw is adept at catching kicks and countering opponents’ openings with precision strikes, he’s a tricky puzzle for any fighter to solve.

Oleg Pryimachov towers over most opponents at 6’7” and uses his Muay Thai base to dominate in the clinch with devastating knees. Trained by Vitaly Klitschko, Pryimachov combines jabs with body attacks before unloading powerful combinations. Oleg Pryimachov may be an underdog to keep an eye on for this tournament

Asadulla Nasipov vs. Murat Aygün

Russian southpaw Asadulla Nasipov brings championship pedigree as a seven-time national champion with lightning-fast hands that mix high-and-low attacks seamlessly. His combination punching and kicking make him a adaptable threat in any matchup.

Murat Aygün, nicknamed The Butcher, represents SB Gym with patient pressure footwork and active feints that keep opponents guessing before landing calf kicks and overhands in combination exchanges. He is well experienced at trading and has competed at the top level around the world.

Nicolas Wamba vs. Mory Kromah

“Black Ghost” Mory Kromah was an undefeated Enfusion champion until dropping his first professional career loss in a close split decision earlier this year. Now, he looks to put that behind him with an emphatic tournament. Kromah is one of the most entertaining kickboxers in GLORY. He excels at striking from distance with flying knees and long kick combinations that overwhelm opponents before they can close the gap.

Nicolas Wamba brings over 15 years of professional experience as a national boxing champion from France. Known for piercing front kicks and powerful low kicks that can score knockdowns even through guards, Wamba will look to use his veteran savvy against Kromah’s explosiveness.

Sina Karimian vs. Tomáš Možný

Sina Karimian may be controversial but remains an effective fighter with spinning attacks that catch opponents off guard, a hallmark of his long reign as K-1 champion.

Tomáš Možný counters Karimian’s finesse with brute force, using wide punches in brawls where he’s willing to take damage if it means landing heavy shots himself.

Nathan Cook vs. Anis Bouzid

The only British entry in the tournament Nathan Cook is an exciting prospect known for his flying knee knockouts. Making his GLORY debut, Cook will look to prove he belongs on kickboxing’s biggest stage.  Facing him is Belgium’s Anis Bouzid, an experienced fighter with 36 knockouts in 45 wins. Bouzid’s composure and specialised striking will test Cook’s explosiveness in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

GLORY 99, on April 5, promises nonstop action as these heavyweights clash for glory and the title of baddest man on the planet. With 32 careers on the line and legacies at stake, this tournament will showcase the absolute best kickboxers on earth. Don’t blink! This will be a night to remember. 

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Alin Nechita vs Ahmed Krnjić

Romania’s Alin Nechita is just 21 years old but already boasts championship credentials as a Colosseum champ, he has potential as one of kickboxing’s future stars. Ahmed Krnjić enters this matchup looking to test Nechita’s mettle in what could be one of the night’s standout bouts.

Ionuț Iancu vs. Cihad Kepenek

Romania’s Ionuț Iancu is a powerhouse with a granite chin and heavy hands. Known for his aggressive style, Iancu has taken down some of the division’s toughest names, including Murat Aygün and Brian Douwes. 

Standing in his way is Turkey’s Cihad Kepenek, a former Muay Thai world champion who brings experience and precision to the ring. With several knockouts to his name, Kepenek is no stranger to finishing fights. 

Yuri Farcaș vs. Iraj Azizpour

Italy’s Yuri Farcaș faces Iranian standout Iraj Azizpour in what could be a sleeper hit of the night. Farcaș is a rising talent with sharp combinations and a relentless pace, but he’ll need to be at his best against the seasoned Azizpour.

Azizpour, a former Kunlun Fight champion and ONE Championship veteran, has faced some of the sport’s elite, including Roman Kryklia and Anderson “Braddock” Silva. Known for his Muay Thai base, spinning attacks, knockout power, and smile, Azizpour enters this bout as a dangerous contender in the tournament. One of the best signings GLORY has added to this tournament.

Asdren Gashi vs. Nidal Bchiri

Albania’s Asdren Gashi brings an exciting style built on speed. With many knockouts in his career, Gashi is always looking for the finish. His opponent, Morocco’s Nidal Bchiri, is making his GLORY debut after dominating the regional circuits in Belgium and the Netherlands. Bchiri’s well-rounded skill set, size, and championship pedigree make him a tough test for Gashi.

Miroslav Vujović vs. Colin George

Montenegro’s Miroslav Vujović enters this bout as a two-time WAKO world champion with a reputation for delivering highlight-reel finishes. His aggressive style could spell trouble for Suriname’s Colin George, a veteran with 21 knockouts under his belt. George’s experience and power make him a formidable opponent, but Vujović’s momentum and hunger could give him the edge in this matchup.

Petr Romankevich vs. Luigj Gashi

Belarusian knockout artist Petr Romankevich takes on Albania’s Luigj Gashi in another high-stakes bout. Romankevich’s devastating power has earned him a reputation as one of the tournament's dark horses. Gashi will need to rely on his durability and crisp boxing to survive Romankevich’s relentless attacks in what could be one of the night’s most brutal matchups.

Watch GLORY 99 on DAZN

GLORY 99 will stream live on DAZN as a Pay-Per-View across the globe, except for the Netherlands where it will be free-to-air.

The price will be £14.99 in the United Kingdon; $14.00 in the US and worldwide (or equivalent price). Click here for price in your country and to buy.

How to watch on DAZN? What devices are supported on DAZN?

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