On April 5, 2025, the highly anticipated GLORY 99: Last Heavyweight Standing kicked off at the Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands, marking a significant moment in combat sports history. This landmark event, promoted as the largest heavyweight tournament ever, features 32 elite fighters competing for the coveted title of the best heavyweight in the world. Fans can catch the action live on DAZN, with preliminary bouts starting at 10 a.m. ET and the main event expected to commence around 6 p.m. ET.
Headlining the event are Belgian-Moroccan powerhouse Jamal Ben Saddik, boasting a record of 37 wins and 9 losses, and Romanian fighter Cristian Ristea, who stands at 44 wins and 25 losses. These two heavyweights are set to deliver an electrifying showdown that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The tournament format is designed to showcase the best of heavyweight kickboxing, with winners from each bout advancing to subsequent rounds. GLORY 99 is the first of five events planned to crown the top heavyweight over the course of the year, culminating in a grand finale at GLORY 100 scheduled for June 13-14, 2025.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matchups and potential upsets that could reshape the landscape of heavyweight kickboxing. The stakes are high, and the competitive spirit is palpable as fighters vie for global recognition and the chance to elevate their careers.
Among the notable fighters participating in the tournament are Tariq Osaro, who recently made headlines with a TKO victory over Benjamin Adegbuyi in the first round, and Bahram Rajabzadeh, a seasoned competitor with an impressive record of 70 wins and only 4 losses. The atmosphere at Rotterdam Ahoy is charged with excitement as these athletes prepare to leave it all in the ring.
Throughout the day, fans witnessed a series of intense battles, with several fighters delivering standout performances. Tariq Osaro’s swift victory over Adegbuyi at 1:59 of Round 1 via referee stoppage sent a clear message to his opponents. Similarly, Nico Pereira Horta showcased his striking prowess, knocking out Rade Opačić in Round 2 at 2:52 with a powerful right hand.
In one of the more closely contested bouts, Miloš Cvjetićanin edged out Nabil Khachab by split decision, with judges scoring the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in favor of Cvjetićanin. Meanwhile, Sofian Laïdouni made a statement with his first-round stoppage of Oleh Pryimachov at 1:47, demonstrating his knockout power.
The tournament also featured a unanimous decision victory for Asadulla Nasipov over Murat Aygun, with scores of 29-28 across the board. Mory Kromah secured a TKO victory due to a leg injury sustained by Nicolas Wamba in Round 2 at 1:37, showcasing the physical toll of the sport.
As the day progressed, fans were treated to a mix of knockouts and decision victories, with fighters like Tomas Mozny and Alin Nechita both securing unanimous decision wins in their respective bouts. Ionut Iancu also made headlines with a corner stoppage victory over Cihad Kepenek in Round 1 at 3:00, further adding to the excitement of the event.
The preliminary card featured additional thrilling matchups, including Iraj Azizpour’s impressive KO victory over Yuri Farcas with a spinning backfist in Round 2 at 1:17. Asdren Gashi narrowly defeated Nidal Bchiri by split decision, while Colin George’s bout against Miroslav Vujović ended in a first-round retirement due to injury.
As the dust settles on this historic night, the implications of GLORY 99 extend beyond just the immediate results. The tournament not only highlights the depth of talent within the heavyweight division but also sets the stage for future matchups and rivalries that are sure to captivate fans around the world.
With the first round of the tournament now in the books, anticipation builds for the upcoming rounds and the potential for new stars to emerge in the heavyweight kickboxing scene. The excitement surrounding GLORY 99: Last Heavyweight Standing is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this tournament unfolds in the weeks and months to come.
As the event progresses, fighters will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and secure their spots in the next stages of the tournament, making every matchup crucial as they battle for supremacy in the heavyweight ranks.
GLORY 99 is a must-watch for fight fans, not only for the high-stakes competition but also for the ongoing evolution of heavyweight fighting. As athletes push their limits and showcase their skills, the future of heavyweight kickboxing looks brighter than ever.
