At last, after three months of complete silence, we get to say these words: Glory is back.
The world’s #1 kickboxing organization has announced the details on Glory 18. The event will take place in Oklahoma City, OK on Friday, November 7. As has been the case all year, Glory 18 will air on Spike. This marks the company’s first show since the Glory 17 / Last Man Standing PPV double header on June 21. Since that time there were two rumored Chicago dates, changes in high level management, and fears that the company could be in serious trouble – their return is huge, huge news for kickboxing fans.
Of note in this announcement is the Friday date, as opposed to the traditional Saturday night slot. Perhaps a way for Spike to use both Bellator and Glory to make Friday night “fight night” on Spike? Also, before anyone asks, yes, Oklahoma actually does have a vibrant local kickboxing scene, so this venue is not entirely unexpected.
In the main event, Davit Kiria defends his Glory Lightweight title against Robin van Roosmalen. Kiria won the title earlier this year, defeating Andy Ristie in one of the best fights of 2014 – this will be his first fight since. These two met at Glory 12 last November with van Roosmalen taking the decision win. Now, he’ll try to repeat the feat and become champion.
The Glory four man tournament returns here with a Light Heavyweight contender tournament – winner here will get a shot at Light Heavyweight champion Gokhan Saki. On one side of the bracket, you have Brian Collette vs. Zack Mwekassa. Mwekassa made a big splash in his Glory debut with a huge KO of Pat Barry, while Collette has been fighting in Glory for some time. On the other side, you have Artem Vakhitov vs. Saulo Cavalari. Vakhitov is undefeated in Glory, while Cavalari comes in off a loss to Tyrone Spong this spring. This is a good, close tournament, but I’ll give Vakhitov the nod for now.
Rounding out the main card is Wayne Barrett vs. Jason Wilnis. No word yet on the Superfight Series card in Oklahoma.
Join us November 7 for the return of Glory and Glory 18: Oklahoma.
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