Rotterdam, Netherlands – The Glory 98 kickboxing event recently concluded in Rotterdam, leaving fight fans with a series of decisive finishes and tactical battles. The night showcased the technical skill and raw power synonymous with the promotion, featuring everything from stunning knockouts to hard-fought decisions across both the main card and preliminary bouts.
Main Card Highlights: Finishes and a Title Defense
The evening culminated with the highly anticipated main event where Jamal Ben Saddik faced Uku Jurjendal. True to form, the heavyweight contest did not disappoint. Ben Saddik secured a decisive victory via knockout in the third round, delivering a head kick at the 2:59 mark that ended the fight emphatically. It was a brutal and technical finish that highlighted the power present in the heavyweight division.
In a significant title defense, Chico Kwasi put his Glory welterweight title on the line against Teodor Hristov. Kwasi demonstrated clear dominance throughout the bout, successfully retaining his championship via a unanimous decision. The scorecards (50-45, 50-45, 49-46, 49-46, 49-46) reflected a comprehensive performance, leaving little doubt as to the rightful holder of the belt.
The main card also featured several other notable finishes. Michael Boapeah defeated Ibrahim El Bouni by TKO in the third round after sending El Bouni to the canvas four times, a clear display of persistent striking pressure. Mesud Selimovic delivered a highlight-reel moment, stopping Iliass Hammouche via TKO with a spinning back fist just over a minute into the second round – a finish requiring both precision and opportune timing.
Hamicha added another TKO to the list, utilizing potent leg kicks to stop Calmente Mendes in the third round. This victory underscored the strategic effectiveness of attacking the base of an opponent, a classic kickboxing tactic executed with clinical efficiency.
While some fights ended early, others went the distance, testing the fighters` endurance and technical scoring. Cem Caceres secured a split decision victory over Mory Kromah in a bout where the judges saw the action differently, a common, albeit sometimes perplexing, outcome in the sport. Andre Santos also earned a unanimous decision against Chris Wunn, with multiple judges agreeing on the scorecard outcome.
Undercard Action
The preliminary portion of Glory 98 set the stage with its own share of action. Don Sno secured a knockout victory over Ismail Ayaadi with punches in the second round, reminding everyone that power can surface at any point in the night. Mehdi Ait El Hadj won a split decision against Robin Ciric in a closely contested fight, while Denis Wosik and Antonio Krajinovic both earned unanimous decision victories against Matthan Choinard and Soufiane El Hammouchi respectively. These bouts provided crucial wins for fighters looking to climb the ranks.
Overall, Glory 98 in Rotterdam delivered an event rich with decisive moments. From heavyweight knockouts and title defenses to tactical decisions and highlight-reel finishes, the tournament provided a solid showcase of the diverse skills present in professional kickboxing.
