This past weekend saw Glory back in action with Glory 25 Milan. It was a quality show somewhat marred by terrible judging in the two title fights, but an overall good evening of kickboxing. Now, the company looks ahead to their next event, the big year-ending Glory 26.
Glory 26 will be live from Amsterdam on Friday, December 4. Glory is going big for both the year end and their huge debut in Amsterdam as they present a two title fight stacked card.
In the main event, Glory Heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven puts his title on the line against Benjamin Adegbuyi in a rematch from Glory 22. In the Welterweight division, Murthel Groenhart was triumphant in the Glory 25 tournament and has now earned a shot at champion Nieky Holzken – those two will meet for the 2nd time in Amsterdam. Rounding out the main card is a Featherweight contender tournament. The only announced name so far is Mosab Amrani, though if he’s ready to go on short notice, I would not be surprised to see former champion Gabriel Varga in the field after his highly controversial title loss to Serhiy Adamchuk at Glory 25.
Two fights are already announced for the Superfight Series in Amsterdam, and they feature some notable names. First up, Errol Zimmerman makes his welcome return after a near year long layoff. He takes on Thomas Vanneste, who scored a win on the local undercard at Glory 22. Also announced for the Superfight Series is Mourad Bouzidi vs. Michael Duut.
Though not yet officially confirmed, all signs point to Glory 26 airing again on the ESPN networks. Glory 25 aired on ESPN3 live this past Friday, and then in a tape delayed broadcast on ESPN2. At the Glory 25 post-fight presser, Glory CEO Jon Franklin addressed the future plans for Glory broadcasts in the US, saying, “The plan is to have Amsterdam on ESPN and then look at ultimately signing a long term contract through 2016.” (Video from MMAPLUS TV).
Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow in the coming weeks for all the news on Glory 26.
GLORY 26 AMSTERDAM FIGHT CARD
Friday, December 4
Heavyweight Title: Rico Verhoeven (c) vs. #1 Benjamin Adegbuyi
Welterweight Title: Nieky Holzken (c) vs. #6 Murthel Groenhart
Featherweight Tournament Finals
Semifinal: #1 Mosab Amrani vs. TBA
Semifinal: TBA vs. TBA
SUPERFIGHT SERIES
Light Heavyweight: #4 Mourad Bouzidi vs. #11 Michael Duut
Heavyweight: #5 Errol Zimmerman vs. #12 Thomas Vanneste
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