On February 22, 2025, GLORY Kickboxing is set to kick off its season with the much-anticipated GLORY 98 event at the RTM Stage in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The venue has been GLORY’s home base for numerous exciting events, and this year is no different as fans can expect thrilling matchups and high-stakes battles.
The main event features the return of heavyweight powerhouse Jamal Ben Saddik facing off against the formidable Uku Jürjendal, who is vying to bounce back from recent setbacks. Both fighters are expected to bring fireworks to the ring, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. Ben Saddik, who has not fought for over two years, will look to return to winning ways after overcoming significant challenges. Meanwhile, Jürjendal seeks to put his last defeat behind him and secure victory on this prestigious platform.
Shared via GLORY's official channels, the main card also includes the GLORY Welterweight World Championship title fight. Champion Chico Kwasi enters the ring against challenger Teodor Hristov of Bulgaria. Kwasi’s last outing at GLORY 97 ended in a draw against Tyjani Beztati, yet he retains the title as he prepares for this formidable opponent. Hristov, riding high on his own winning streak, looks to capitalize on this opportunity to dethrone the veteran.
The excitement isn’t limited to the main card, as the preliminary fights feature additional rising talent eager to make their mark. The event's weigh-in results reflect the intense preparations these athletes have committed to their upcoming bouts, with all fighters successfully making weight. Notably, the fighters' weights are as follows:
Main Card:
Uku Jürjendal: 116.7 kg (257.3 lbs)
Jamal Ben Saddik: 121.8 kg (268.5 lbs)
Chico Kwasi: 77 kg (169.8 lbs)
Teodor Hristov: 77 kg (169.8 lbs)
Cem Caceres: 94.7 kg (208.8 lbs)
Mory Kromah: 94.5 kg (208.3 lbs)
Ibrahim El Bouni: 94.7 kg (208.8 lbs)
Michael Boapeah: 92.9 kg (204.8 lbs)
Iliass Hammouche: 85 kg (187.4 lbs)
Mesud Selimovic: 84.3 kg (185.8 lbs)
Hamicha: 76.4 kg (168.4 lbs)
Calmente Mendes: 76.6 kg (168.9 lbs)
Andre Santos: 64.9 kg (143.1 lbs)
Chris Wunn: 64.8 kg (142.9 lbs).
Preliminary card bouts are equally intriguing, featuring names like Robin Ciric and Mehdi Ait El Hadj, and fans were excited to see the lightweight action before the main fights began. Regrettably, one expected fight between Ahmad Chikh Mousa and Bobo Sacko was canceled due to health-related issues with Mousa, leaving fans disappointed.
GLORY 98 is set to stream live, with prelims available on YouTube followed by the main card on Triller TV pay-per-view. This event promises not only to deliver on high-octane action but also to showcase the incredible talents of aspiring stars across various weight divisions.
For those unable to attend live, fans can catch the event being broadcast over multiple platforms, including Deutsche and Triller, starting at 2 PM ET, with prelimins kicking off at noon ET.
The match card is expected to deliver not only action but also narratives of redemption and rivalry. Both Ben Saddik and Jürjendal are fighting for not just victory, but respect and future opportunities within the elite world of kickboxing.
With the stage set for what promises to be another thrilling night of kickboxing at GLORY 98, fans around the world are gearing up for what could be unforgettable moments as fighters strive to leave their mark on this storied event.