Rotterdam, Netherlands – The air crackled with anticipation as GLORY 104 descended upon the Ahoy Arena, delivering an unforgettable spectacle of high-stakes kickboxing. Fans worldwide tuned in for what promised to be a night of brutal knockouts, strategic masterclasses, and the crowning of new champions. From a vacant Light Heavyweight title clash to the grueling “Last Heavyweight Standing” tournaments, GLORY 104 solidified its place as a landmark event in the sport`s calendar.
The Vacant Crown: Khbabez vs. Rajabzadeh for Light Heavyweight Gold
Headlining the night was a clash of titans for the undisputed GLORY Light Heavyweight World Title, a belt left vacant and ripe for the taking. Tarik “The Tank” Khbabez (94.7 kg / 209 lbs) stepped into the ring against Bahram Rajabzadeh (92.6 kg / 204 lbs), a contest that pitted relentless forward pressure against surgical precision. Khbabez, known for his relentless barrage and iron chin, sought to add another prestigious title to his decorated career. Rajabzadeh, with his crisp technique and intelligent movement, aimed to outmaneuver the Moroccan powerhouse and establish himself as the division`s new king. This was more than just a fight; it was a philosophical debate on punch power versus calculated aggression, played out on the grandest stage.
The Heavyweight Gauntlet: Two Tournaments, One Goal
If one heavyweight tournament wasn`t enough, GLORY 104 presented two: the “Last Heavyweight Standing” Tournament 1 and Tournament 2, each culminating in a final on the main card. This format is a true test of grit, endurance, and sheer willpower, asking fighters to compete multiple times in a single night. It’s a bold move, assembling this much raw, unadulterated power under one roof, with the understanding that only one from each bracket can truly claim to be the last man standing.
The semi-final bouts provided immediate fireworks:
- Tournament 2: Rade Opacic (112 kg / 257 lbs) squared off against Mike Kena (101.9 kg / 225 lbs), a battle promising thunderous exchanges. Milos Cvjeticanin (99.3 kg / 219 lbs) met Alin Nechita (107 kg / 236 lbs) in another high-stakes showdown.
- Tournament 1: Sofian Laidouni (114.5 kg / 252 lbs) faced Nabil Khachab (160.9 kg / 355 lbs), a colossal matchup where every punch carried fight-ending potential. Levi Rigters (110.3 kg / 243 lbs) took on Asadulla Nasipov (117.4 kg / 259 lbs), a bout between two formidable heavyweights vying for a spot in the final.
The intensity of these back-to-back fights created an electrifying atmosphere, demonstrating why these tournaments are considered the ultimate crucible for heavyweight kickboxers.
Beyond the Giants: The Undercard`s Hidden Gems
While the heavyweights often grab the headlines, GLORY 104`s undercard was packed with talent across various divisions, showcasing the depth of the promotion`s roster.
- Middleweight Madness: Sergej Braun (84.8 kg / 187 lbs) clashed with Iliass Hammouche (85 kg / 187 lbs) in a Middleweight bout. This fight offered a refreshing contrast to the heavyweight slugfests, emphasizing speed, technical prowess, and intricate combinations.
- Catchweight & Featherweight Fire: Miguel Trindade (73.5 kg / 162 lbs) faced Halil Kutukcu (73.8 kg / 163 lbs) in a Catchweight contest, promising fast-paced action. In the Last Featherweight Standing bout, Berjan Peposhi (65 kg / 143 lbs) battled Aitor Ibanez (64.9 kg / 143 lbs), a pairing guaranteed to deliver non-stop intensity and precision striking.
- Reserve Fight Significance: Even the Heavyweight Reserve Fight between Mo Amine (103.6 kg / 228 lbs) and Errol Koning (98.7 kg / 216 lbs) underscored GLORY`s commitment to ensuring a robust card, highlighting the competitive spirit even among those waiting in the wings.
A Night to Remember in Rotterdam
GLORY 104 in Rotterdam was more than just a fight card; it was a declaration of kickboxing`s vibrant future. The blend of high-stakes title fights, brutal multi-man tournaments, and compelling matchups across divisions ensured that every moment was charged with potential. For fans who witnessed it, either live in the arena or via broadcast, it was a testament to the dedication, power, and strategic brilliance that defines the sport of kickboxing. The echoes of powerful strikes and the roar of the crowd will undoubtedly resonate long after the final bell.
