GLORY is shuffling its plans for its biggest event to date.
Originally scheduled as a two-day affair to take place June 13 and June 14, the packed GLORY 100 event now takes place solely on June 14, at Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands.
The event is headlined by heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven defending against former two-time light heavyweight champion and recent Dana White Contender Series contract winner Artem Vakhitov.
According to a press release Wednesday, the schedule change was made due to fan response to the potential cost of attending two events that weekend.
“We’ve listened to the fans and decided to bring everything together into one major event,” GLORY CEO Marshall Zelaznik said in the release. “It was clear that our fans were put in the position of having to choose between events and, frankly, it was an expensive proposition to ask them to engage on two nights with GLORY 100. With the new format, it allows everyone to experience the full scope of GLORY 100 in a single night – whether they’re attending live or watching from home. It’s a way to mark this milestone in the sport’s history with ensuring all of our fans can enjoy all the great fights and fighters on one great event. After all, this a celebration of our great sport, fighters, and fans.”
Verhoeven, 36, seeks his 13th consecutive defense of the GLORY heavyweight title. The Dutch legend is one of the most decorated kickboxers of all time and has not lost since 2015.
Vakhitov recently made headlines for an MMA win over Islem Masraf on Contender Series that earned him a UFC contract offer this past October. However, the 34-year-old Russian declined to sign with the promotion, due to limitations on negotiations when it comes to Contender Series contracts. He was later offered the opportunity to face Verhoeven.
“Under their protocols, they were only able to offer me the standard contract given to all DWCS signings,” Vakhitov said. “My team tried to negotiate, but the UFC’s rules left no room for adjustments. I want to be clear that I don’t take issue with their approach—I respect their structure. But I am a prizefighter, and I have a family to support. I have a limited window to make the most of my career.”
The decision dashed fans’ hopes of seeing Vakhitov step into the octagon against longtime rival Alex Pereira. Vakhitov and Pereira split a two-fight series in the GLORY ring, with Vakhitov earning a majority decision to win their most recent meeting in September 2021.
Three other GLORY title fights are set to take place June 14 as current light heavyweight champion Tarik Khbabez fights Sergej Maslobojev, middleweight champion Donovan Wisse fights Michael Boapeah, and featherweight champion Petch rematches Miguel Trindade.
GLORY 100 is set to air live June 14 on DAZN. See the lineup below, which also includes heavyweight tournament action.
Rico Verhoeven vs. Artem Vakhitov
Tarik Khbabez vs. Sergej Maslobojev
Donovan Wisse vs. Michael Boapeah
Petch vs. Miguel Trindade
Mesud Selimovic vs. Iliass Hammouche
Jamal Ben Saddik vs. Sofian Laidouni
Tariq Osaro vs. Luigi Gashi
Bahram Rajabzadeh vs. Asdren Gashi
Mory Kromah vs. Alin Nechita
Serkan Ozcaglayan vs. Mohamed Touchassie
Berjan Peposhi vs. Deniz Demirkapu
Milos Cvjeticanin vs. Cem Caceres
Colin George vs. Nico Horta
Asadulla Nasipov vs. Anis Bouzid
Iraj Azizpour vs. Ionut Iancu
Iuri Fernandes vs. Samuele Pugliese
