GLORY Kickboxing returns for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic with an action-packed card. The organization exhibited some financial strain over the summer, but is finally returning with GLORY 76.
The event is headlined by a fight between two of the top heavyweights in kickboxing today, Badr Hari and Benny Adegbuyi. The Moroccan Hari is a legend of the sport, most recently losing in a title fight against Rico Verhoeven. He will look to rebound in his first fight in a year against the Romanian “Mr. Gentleman” Adegbuyi, who is the second-ranked heavyweight currently. A win against Hari could garner a title shot for him against the aforementioned Verhoeven.
The co-main event features a welterweight title fight between two Frenchmen, champion Cédric Doumbé and challenger Karim Ghajji. “The Best” Doumbé was set to rematch top-ranked Murthel Groenhart, but a Groenhart injury allowed Ghajji to get a short-notice title shot. Doumbé is a prohibitive favorite but the fight is expected to be fireworks regardless, as both fighters have flashy striking styles sure to please the fans.
The event will also feature a four-man heavyweight tournament, with the winner earning a bout against a top-four opponent at the next event. The semi-finals will feature a bout between Antonio Plazibat, the 2019 GLORY Newcomer of the Year, and Nordine Mahieddine, who is riding a two fight win streak. The other semi-final will feature undefeated new GLORY signing Levi Rigters and Marciano Bhugwandass, who enters the tournament on four days’ notice.
Stay tuned to MMA Sucka for GLORY 76 results, with the preliminary card starting at 2:00pm ET/11:00am PT, followed by the main card beginning at 3:00pm ET/Noon PT. The event is available via pay-per-view on GLORY’s website and Fite TV.
GLORY 76 Results
Main Event
Benny Adegbuyi def. Badr Hari via KO (left body kick), 0:50 of Round 3
Heavyweight Contender Tournament Final
Levi Rigters def. Nordine Mahieddine via KO (left body kick), 1:49 of Round 1
Welterweight Championship Bout
Cédric Doumbé def. Karim Ghajji via KO (overhand right), 1:30 of Round 3
Heavyweight Contender Tournament Semi-Finals
Nordine Mahieddine def. Antonio Plazibat via extension round split decision
Levi Rigters def. Marciano Bhugwandass via KO (right hook to head, right hook to body), 2:42 of Round 2
Preliminary Card
Tony Jas def. Jos van Belzen via split decision
