Glory 24 Results: Schilling Wins, Adegbuyi Takes Heavyweight Tournament

Glory 24 took place last night in Denver, CO and fight fans were ready to see Joe Schlling return to the Glory ring. Schilling was originally slated to fight middleweight champion Artem Levin, but an injury forced a change a few weeks back and Jason Wilnis stepped in to fight Schilling.

These two fighters came out looking to cause some damage, both were ripping into each other. Schilling established himself first as he was faster and more accurate. Early in the second round a left hook from Schilling dropped Wilnis. Despite tasting the canvas, Wilnis showed what he was made of by storming back into the fight and hurting Schilling with an overhand right that buckled him. Wilnis seemed to have a chance to end the fight and he continued to attack Schilling who wisely clinched and slowed things down. 

It seemed things were ready for a wild third round, but Wilnis was unable to answer the bell for the final round after he suffered a badly broken toe in the second round. Schilling has now won two consecutive fights  for Glory and if he gets his way his third will be against Artem Levin.

In the night's heavyweight contender tournament Benjamin Adegbuyi and Jahfarr Wilnis punched their tickets to the tournament final by winning their semi-final bouts with leg kick (T)KO's. In the final the two big men didn't slow down, despite seeming fatigued they fought for three rounds and left everything in the ring. It was a close fight and Adegbuyi walked away with a split decision win and a chance to dethrone Glory Heavyweight Champion Rico Verhoeven.

Dustin Jacoby scored a huge win over Glory veteran Wayne Barrett. Jacoby punished Barrett to the head and body throughout the fight. Barrett started to fatigue early and as Jacoby continued to push the pace it was too much for Barrett. In the third round punches sent Barrett to the canvas where he was counted out by the referee. With the win Jacoby has now won three straight, while Barrett drops his fourth consecutive bout.

Glory 24 Results:

Joe Schilling def. Jason Wilnis via (T)KO (Injury) at 3:00 of Rd. 2

Dustin Jacoby def. Wayne Barrett via KO at 1:40 of Rd. 3

Robert Thomas def. David Radeef via Split Decision

Casey Greene def. Francois Ambang via KO at 1:38 of Rd. 2

Kevin Vannostrong def. Justin Houghton via Split Decision

Zack Wells def. Chris Trammel KO at 1:56 of Rd. 1

Jason Lee def. Steve Paprocki via KO at 2:59 of Rd. 2

Heavyweight Contender Tournament Semi-Finals:

Bejamin Adegbuyi def. Mladen Brestovac via (T)KO (Leg Kicks) at 1:47 of Rd. 3

Jahfarr Wilnis def. Ben Edwards via (T)KO (Leg Kicks) at 1:36 of Rd. 2

Heavyweight Contender Tournament Final:

Benjamin Adegbuyi def. Jahfarr Wilnis via Split Decision

Glory 24: Denver Fight Card

Glory 24 in Denver has had some major changes since it was initially announced. The main event was originally supposed to be the final bout in the trilogy between Joe Schilling and Artem Levin, but an elbow injury to Levin canceled those plans. Schilling will now face Jason Wilnis instead of Levin.

Wilnis was on a three fight win streak recently, that ended at Glory 20 when he lost a decision to Simon Marcus in the final of the Glory Middleweight Contender Tournament. Before his bout with Schiling he is scheduled to fight David Keclik on September 18 at FFC 19 in Austria.

Pat Barry was originally slated to fight as part of the co-main event on the card, but an injury has forced the former UFC fighter off as well. The bout would have been his second under Glory. Instead of Barry in action the co-main event will now feature Dustin Jacoby vs. Wayne Barrett. 

Jacoby is coming off a tournament win at Glory 23 in Las Vegas. Jacoby defeated Ariel Sepulveda and Casey Greene by KO on the night to win the tournament and end a four fight losing streak. Barrett will be looking to end a three fight skid when he meets Jacoby. He last competed in the middleweight contender tournament at Glory 20, where he lost in the tournament semi-finals to Simon Marcus by decision. Barrett found early success in his career going 5-0 with four of those wins coming by stoppage, but has not been able to break through against the top tier of the division when going the distance, all three of his recent losses have been by decision.

Glory 24 will also feature a Heavyweight Tournament. The semi-final match ups are Benjamin Adegbuyi vs. Mladen Brestovac and Ben Edwards vs. Jahfarr Wilnis.

Glory 24 takes place on October 9th in Denver, Colorado.

Fight Card:

Joe Schilling vs. Jason Wilnis

Dustin Jacoby vs. Wayne Barrett

Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Finals

Benjamin Adegbuyi vs. Mladen Brestovac

Ben Edwards vs. Jahfarr Wilnis

Glory 20 Announced

Glory Sports International announces their 20th event set for Dubai. The kickboxing giant will make its way back to using international arenas after 4 consecutive USA events in Virginia, Oklahoma, California, and Colorado. This marks the first event for Glory in the Middle East martial arts hub of Dubai.

The main event features Mosab Amrani and Gabriel Varga, set to fight for the vacant featherweight title, Varga having won his shot at the title by winning the 4-man featherweight contender tournament at Glory 17. 

Pat Berry and Morad Bouzidi make up the co-main event.  Berry last competed for Glory against Zack Mwekassa, suffering a KO loss to the heavy handed boxer.  Bouzidi's last Glory appearance was against Randy Blake, taking a decision win over Blake.

Also set for Glory 20 is a 4-man middleweight contender tournament.  Jason Wilnis will face Alex Pereira and Wayne Barrett, Simon Marcus.  Wilnis last fought for Glory at their 18th event with a decision win over Barrett.  Pereira returns after dropping a decision to Artem Levin in the first round of Glory 17's Last Man Standing 4-man tournament.  Barrett looks to bounce back with a win after losses to Joe Schilling at Glory 17 and Jason Wilnis at Glory 18.  Marcus once again steps away from from regular competition in Muay to return to the Glory stage, last losing to Joe Schilling via KO.

Fight Card:

Main Card:

Gabriel Varga vs. Mosab Amrani

Pat Barry vs. Morad Bouzidi

4-Man Middleweight Tournament:

Jason Wilnis vs. Alex Pereira

Wayne Barrett vs. Simon Marcus

Glory 18: Return to Glory Results and Recap

Glory returned to action for the first time in nearly five months. Glory 18: Return to Glory took place last night at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The night's main event featured a lightweight title fight between champion Davit Kiria and challenger Robin van Roosmalen. Kiria won the title with a come from behind knockout victory over Andy Risite earlier this year. The pair had fought twice already with van Roosmalen having won their two previous encounters by unanimous decision. 

The first two rounds were a close as both fighters were trading strikes. In the third round Kiria scored with a big 1-2 combination that dropped van Roosmalen, after he was able to beat the count Kiria was all over van Roosmalen trying to finish the fight. Despite Kiria's efforts van Roosmalen was able to survive and make it to the championship rounds. The fourth round was tight as it didn't seem either fighter did enough to edge the other. In the final round van Roosmalen was more active and landing nice combinations that likely gave him the round. When it was over the bout was ruled a majority decision in favor of van Roosmalen making him the new Glory lightweight champion.

Saulo Cavalari and Zack Mwekassa met in the finals of the Glory light heavyweight contenders tournament. Cavalari out pointed Danyo Ilunga to earn a decision victory and his ticket to the tournament final, while Mwekassa scored a crushing knockout of Brian Collette to secure his spot in the finals. 

Mwekassa started off strong in the tournament final throwing heavy punches and keeping Cavalari on the defensive. As the fight wore on, however, Cavalari began to open up more as Mwekassa started to slow down. In the third round Cavalari fainted a low kick and went up high knocking Mwekassa down to the canvas. Despite his efforts to get up Mwekassa could not recover and Cavalari won the contenders tournament. 

In other action on the night Jason Wilnis stunned most by out striking Wayne Barrett to win a unanimous decision and Rob Thomas scored a knockout over Mike Lemaire to end his two fight losing streak. 

Results:

Main Card

Robin van Roosmalen def. Davit Kiria via Majority Decision

Jason Wilnis def. Wayne Barrett via Unanimous Decision

Glory Light Heavyweight Contenders Tournament Final

Saulo Cavalari def. Zack Mwekassa via KO (Head Kick) at 0:20 of Rd. 3

Glory Light Heavyweight Contenders Tournament Semi-finals

Zack Mwekassa def. Brian Collette via KO at 0:45 of Rd. 2

Saulo Cavalari def. Danyo Ilunga via Unanimous Decision

Super Fight Series

Benjamin Adegbuyi def. Hesdy Gerges via Unanimous Decision

Randy Blake def. Warren Thompson via Unanimous Decision

Rob Thomas def. Mike Lemaire via KO at 1:06 of Rd. 3

Josh Jauncey def. Jae-Gil Noh via KO at 1:14 of Rd. 2

Omari Boyd def. Ian Alexander via (T)KO at 2:17 of Rd. 3

Benjamin Adegbuyi vs. Hesdy Gerges set for Glory 18

The Glory 18 fight card continues to grow. Glory has now confirmed the first fight that will be part of the events Super Fight Series. Benjamin Adegbuyi will take on Hesdy Gerges in a heavyweight bout. 

Romania's Adegbuyi is currently the sixth ranked heavyweight in Glory's rankings and is currently 2-0 fighting for Glory. He holds two (T)KO wins under Glory, the latest being over Daniel Sam at Glory 16.

Gerges is a veteran in the Kickboxing circuit and is currently the fifth ranked heavyweight in Glory's Rankings. He is 2-1 fighting under the promotion and last competed for them at Glory 15 where he scored a (T)KO over Jhonata Diniz.

Glory 18 is set to feature a title fight between current lightweight champion Davit Kiria and Robin van Roosmalen. A 4-man light heavyweight contender tournament will also take place on the night featuring Brian Collette, Artem Vakhitov, Saulo Cavalari, and Zack Mwekassa.

Fight Card:

Davit Kiria (c) vs. Robin van Roosmalen - Glory Lightweight World Title Fight

Wayne Barrett vs. Jason Wilnis

Benjamin Adegbuyi vs. Hesdy Gerges

Glory Light Heavyweight Contenders Tournament

Brian Collette vs. Zack Mwekassa

Saulo Cavalari vs. Artem Vakhitov

Glory 18 set for November 7th in Oklahoma

It has been quite a few months since Kickboxing fans had heard anything from Glory, now the promotion has officially announced that Glory 18 will take place November 7th in Oklahoma. The event is booked for the Grand Casino Hotel & Resosrt in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

The night's main event will feature a Glory Lightweight Title Fight between current champion Davit Kiria and challenger Robin van Roosmalen. Kiria last competed at Glory 14 is Zagreb, Croatia where he captured the Glory Lightweight Title from Andy Ristie with an impressive come from behind knockout victory. Kiria and van Roosmalen have faced each other before with van Roosmalen defeating Kiria by unanimous decision at Glory 12. 

In the co-main event American Wayne Barrett will take on Jason Wilnis. Barrett recently made headlines when he signed an endorsement deal with Adidas. He has not competed since losing in the semi-finals of the Last Man Standing Tournament in a controversial decision. 

A light heavyweight contenders tournament will also be taking place on the night. Brian Collette will face Zack Mwekassa and Saulo Cavalari will take on Artem Vakhitov in the tournament semi-finals.

Fight Card:

Davit Kiria (c) vs. Robin van Roosmalen - Glory Lightweight World Title Fight

Wayne Barrett vs. Jason Wilnis

Glory Light Heavyweight Contenders Tournament

Brian Collette vs. Zack Mwekassa

Saulo Cavalari vs. Artem Vakhitov

Glory Last Man Standing Results

Glory "Last Man Standing" took place Saturday, June 21st. The event was Glory's first PPV event. The highlight of the event was the middleweight 8-man tournament to crown the division's champion. 

The tournament final featured a re-match between Artem Levin and Joe Schilling. Levin defeated Alex Pereira and Filip Verlinden by unanimous decision to punch his ticket to the final, while Schilling had a more controversial path to the finals. in his quarter final bout with Simon Marcus, Schilling was knocked down in the second round and when the fight went to the judges score cards it seemed Marcus had once again defeated Schilling. The judges, however, ruled the fight a controversial draw as many though Marcus had done what he needed to move on. In the extra round Marcus was deducted a point with 40 seconds remaining the round for spitting out his mouth piece. Knowing he needed a knockout to win Marcus rushed Schilling and with 20 seconds left walked into a Schilling right hand that put  his lights out and tournament hopes on the back burner.

In the semi-finals Wayne Barrett seemed to have done enough to win a decision over Schilling, but once again Schilling was awarded a decision that many up in arms. The judges declared Schilling the winner by split decision. In the final Artem Levin picked away at Schilling and scored a knockdown over him. In the third round of their bout Levin was oddly deducted a point for clinching, but fortunately for Levin he had built up such a huge lead on the judges score cards that it did not affect the final out come and Levin was declared the winner by unanimous decision

In the night's other title fights Rico Verhoeven was crowned the heavyweight champion after a decision with in which he outworked Daniel Ghita, and Joseph Valtellini defeated Marc De Bonte to claim the welterweight championship. Valtellini and De Bonte fought five hard rounds and both men tasted the canvas in the bout but neither refused to concede defeat until the judges rendered their verdict. It was a huge win for Valtellini who in the past two years has gone from an unknown talent to world champion.

Results: 

8-Man Tournament Quarterfinals

Filip Verlinden def. Melvin Manhoef via Majority Decision

Artem Levin def. Alex Pereira via Unanimous Decision

Joe Schilling def. Simon Marcus via KO in Extra Round

Wayne Barret def. Bogdan Stoica via KO in Round 3

8-Man Tournament Semi-Finals

Joe Schilling def. Wayne Barret via Split Decision

Artem Levin def. Filip Verlinden via Unanimous Decision

8-Man Tournament Final

Artem Levin def. Joe Schilling via Unanimous Decision

Super Fights

Joseph Valtellini def. Marc de Bonte via Unanimous Decision

Rico Verhoeven def. Daniel Ghita via Unanimous Decision

Glory 17 headed to PPV with stacked middleweight tournament

Glory has now decided to make the move into the PPV world. For Glory 17 fight fans will no longer have to wait for a tape delay replay on Spike TV, they will be able to purchase the event live on PPV. So what is Glory looking to do for their first PPV event? An 8-man tournament featuring some of the biggest names in their middleweight division.

The six names confirmed for the tournament are Wayne Barrett, Bogdan Stoica, Melvin Manhoef, Joe Schilling, Alex Pereira, and Simon Marcus. The line-up is stacked, and although the final two slots are not confirmed if they could be filled by Artem Levin and Steve Wakeling the scenarios of potential match ups would be something fans would most likely go crazy for. For know everyone is just left to speculate as to who will fill the last two spots.

All of the action will go down June 21st in Los Angeles, CA. Keep checking back here to keep up to date with all the latest news regarding Glory 17.

Wayne Barrett talks win over Joe Schilling at Glory 12

Wayne Barrett is coming fresh of a unanimous decision victory over Joe Schilling at Glory 12. It was a huge victory for Barrett, going into the fight he had only three professional fights compared to Schilling’s 20.

Barrett knocked Schilling down twice in the bout and survived a third round rally by Schilling which saw him knocked down by knee. We were able to catch up with Barrett and talk about his recent victory and his future plans.

MTA: Wayne huge win this weekend at Glory 12. How are you feeling after that victory?

Wayne: I feel ok really disappointed in my performance but thankful.

MTA: Going into the fight Joe Schilling had said something along the lines that you weren’t on his level. Having only had three pro fights going into the fight, what helps give you the confidence to go in and face a fighter with more than six times the amount of pro fights you have?

Wayne: What helps me is my belief in God, my team and my training.

MTA: What do you think was your advantage in the fight; do you think it was your boxing?

Wayne: My boxing was the advantage this fight for sure. Funny I wanted to kick more this fight but sometimes you have to take what you can.

MTA: It was an exciting fight and going into the third round it was clear you were in control with your two knockdowns. Were you fairly confident you were winning the fight come the third round?

Wayne: I knew I was up 2 rounds to none going into the 3rd. But Joe is a vet and knows how to make the fight ruff.

MTA: With you being up most likely on the score cards why risk the win by being as aggressive as you were?

Wayne: Glory and myself love knock outs and I wanted this fight really bad, I view it as the only way to win.

MTA: He caught you with that knee and you recovered well. Were you worried at all that it might have helped him even things out and maybe give him the win?

Wayne: The knee was a stupid mistake I made in the ring. I was dizzy lol so maybe a 4th round not because of him but I knew that when the fans like a fight and drama unfolds a 4th round is given for ratings.

MTA: You looked bigger, more muscular this fight, did you bulk up for this fight?

Wayne: I was actually smaller lol. I was the lightest I ever been for a match. I think that's what made the fight harder than it had to be but this camp was full of adversity.

MTA: So what is next for you Wayne are you looking for a little break or do you want to get right back in the ring?

Wayne: It’s up too Glory I want to build a name in the sport one fight at a time. I will run it by my coaches and we work together to say what's best.

MTA: If you could choose your next opponent who would it be and why?

Wayne: I don't call people out but I won't turn down a fight as long as I am healthy.

MTA: It has been a hell of a year for you, what is your best memory so far?

Wayne: The Mike Lemaire fight has to be the best memory for me still.

MTA: Any words for your supporters and fans?

Wayne: Everyone says follow your dream, but I want the fans to know that your real dream makes you happy when you think about it. Separate yourself from negative people and create your own world that you control.

Glory 12 Results and Recap: Andy Ristie shocks the world with two huge knockouts

Glory 12 took place tonight in New York and it was a night full of surprises. In the Glory lightweight tournament most were expecting to see a tournament final featuring Giorgio Petrosyan who has not lost since 2007, but Andy Ristie had other plans. In a fight that was pretty even things changed in a heartbeat in the third round when Ristie landed a left uppercut that knocked Petrosyan out. Despite Petrosyan's effort to get back to his feet he was clearly on wobbly legs and could not continue.

In the night’s other semi-final bout Robin van Roosmalen out pointed Davit Kiria for three rounds to win a unanimous decision. In the final, however, van Roosmalen would not see things go his way. Not only did Ristie not get the memo that Petrosyan was supposed to win this tournament, he also didn’t get the memo that van Roosmalen is a wrecking machine not to be messed with. Ristie knocked van Roosmalen down in round one and then again in round two with van Roosmalen not being able to answer the referee’s count in the second round thus giving Ristie the win. This was a huge night for Ristie as he not only beat the top two fighters in Glory’s lightweight division, but he knocked them both out.

In other action Glory middleweight tournament champion Joe Schilling took on Wayne Barrett. Schilling was considered the favorite, but like with Ristie it seems that Barrett did not get the memo. This was Barrett’s fourth pro fight, but you wouldn’t know it as he looked confident in the ring. Barrett struck first in the second round when he knocked Schilling down not once, but twice.The first knockdown came from an over hand right and the second early in round two and the second from a right hook as the round ended. In the third round Schilling was able to gain some ground back when he connected with a knee that dropped Barrett, but he was able to beat the count. The fight went to the judges and Barrett was awarded a unanimous decision victory in a huge win for his young career.

In another of the night’s super fights Australian Ben Edwards scored a third round knockout over Moroccan Jamal Ben Saddik. In the tournament reserve bout American Ky Hollenbeck used his unorthodox style to out point late replacement Warren Stevelmans to earn a unanimous decision victory.

In the night’s under card Francois Ambang scored a (T)KO over Eddie Walker due to leg kicks in the third round and Brian Collette scored a tremendous head kick knockout over Warren Thompson in the first round. Artem Vakhitov also scored a unanimous decision over Nenad Pagonis and Saulo Cavalari scored a devastating knockout over Mourad Bouzidi.

Full Results:

Glory Lightweight Tournament Final
Andy Ristie def. Robin van Roosmalen via KO in Rd. 2

Glory Lightweight Tournament Semi-Finals
Robin van Roosmalen def. Davit Kiria via Unanimous Decision
Andy Ristie def. Giorgio Petrosyan via KO in Rd. 3

Glory Lightweight Tournament Reserve Bout
Ky Hollenbeck def. Warren Stevelmans via Unanimous Decision

Super Fights
Wayne Barrett def. Joe Schilling via Unanimous Decision
Ben Edwards def. Jamal Ben Saddik via KO in Rd. 3

Undercard
Artem Vakhitov def. Nenad Pagonis via Unanimous Decision
Brian Collette def. Warren Thompson via KO (Head Kick) in Rd. 1
Jhonata Diniz def. Igor Jurkovic via (T)KO in Rd. 1
Francois Ambang def. Eddie Walker via (T)KO (Leg Kicks) in Rd. 3
Saulo Cavalari def. Mourad Bouzidi via KO in Rd. 3
Thiago Michael def. Paul Marfort via Unanimous Decision
Alexy Filyakov def. Mohamed Fanzy via KO in Rd. 1
John Bowman def. Villi Bello via (T)KO in Rd. 3
Niko Tsigaras def. Dominick Biondo via KO in Rd. 1
Casey Greene def. John King via KO in Rd. 1
Anna Shearer def. Andrea D'Angelo via Unanimous Decision

2 more fights confirmed for Glory 12 including Joe Schilling vs. Wayne Barrett headliner

Glory has confirmed two more fights for Glory 12 in New York. The night's headlining bout has been confirmed as Joe Schilling vs. Wayne Barrett, the other super fight announced is a heavyweight clash between Jhonata Diniz and Igor Jurkovic.

Schilling and Barrett were both last in action at Glory 10. Schilling won the Glory middleweight tournament with victories over Kengo Shimizu and Artem Levin while Barrett won his tournament reserve bout over Robby Plotkin. This fight will be very interesting, both fighters move well in the ring and have good boxing skills. A win for Barrett would sky rocket his already rising stock.

Glory 12 takes place November 23rd in New York, NY and will air on Spike TV.

 

Fight Card:

Glory Lightweight Tournament

Giorgio Petrosyan vs. Andy Ristie

Robin van Roosmalen vs. Davit Kiria

Glory Lightweight Tournament Reserve Bout

Ky Hollenbeck vs. Shemsi Beqiri

Super Fights

Joe Schillling vs. Wayne Barrett

Jamal Ben Saddik vs. Ben Edwards

Igor Jurkovic vs. Jhonata Diniz

Eddie Walker vs. Francois Ambang 

Brian Collette vs. Warren Thompson

Artem Vakhitov vs. Nenad Pagonis

Dustin Jacoby vs. Makoto Uehara

Glory 10 Results and Recap: Schilling stuns Levin to win 4-man tournament

Glory 10 took place last night in Ontario, CA and the night’s story was Joe Schilling shocking the world by winning the 4-man middleweight tournament. There was a lot of attention surrounding the tournament since its announcement and with Schilling’s original opponent, Steve Wakeling, not able to secure a visa to fight in tournament many expected a Schilling vs. Artem Levin finale. That is exactly what they got, but many didn’t expect Schilling to defeat Levin, but he did just that. Before Levin and Schilling met in the final Levin defeated Jason Wilnis by unanimous decision and Schilling defeated Kengo Shimizu by unanimous decision.

In the final Levin looked good early in the fight but in the second round Levin was knocked by Schilling after a superman punch and a knee landed. The third round was close, and after three rounds the fight was ruled a majority draw and they proceeded to an extra round. In the extra round things started off right until Schilling scored a flash knockdown on Levin, which Levin protested. The tide of the fight shifted and when it was over Schilling was declared the winner.

Results:

Glory Middleweight Tournament Final

Joe Schilling def. Artem Levin via Extra Round Decision

Glory Middleweight Tournament Semi-Finals

Artem Levin def. Jason Wilnis via Unanimous Decision

Joe Schilling def. Kengo Shimizu via Unanimous Decision

Tournament Reserve Bout

Wayne Barrett def. Robby Plotkin via (T)KO at 2:26 of Rd. 1

Super Fights

Robin van Roosmalen def. Shemsi Beqiri via Unanimous Decision

David Kiria def. Murthel Groenhart via Unanimous Decision

Brian Collette def. Randy Blake via Unanimous Decision

Ky Hollenbeck def. Albert Kraus via Unanimous Decision

Hinata Watanabe def. Johann Fauveau via (T)KO at 0:48 of Rd. 3 

Karapet Karapetyan def. Aleksandr Stetcurenko via Unanimous Decision

Jahfarr Wilnis def. Brice Guidon via KO

Niclas Larsen def. Andy Ristie via Unanimous Decision

Matches to make after Glory 9

Glory 9 took place in New York this past weekend and it was filled with excitement from start to finish. Some of North America’s top talents were in action on the night as well as some of the biggest names in the sport of Kickboxing.

Joseph Valtellini continued to prove to fight fans that he is the real deal with another (T)KO stoppage, Wayne Barrett put fight fans on notice, and Randy Blake made a successful Glory debut. There were some great performances from the North American based fighters.

Below are a few match-ups we think would make sense as the next possible fight for the North American winners at Glory 9, as well as some of the fighters that tasted defeat.

Joseph Valtellini vs. Gregory Choplin

Valtellini’s lone loss of his professional and amateur career combined came at the hands of Gregory Choplin at Lion Fight 7. Valtellini has since won three consecutive fights, two by stoppage under the Glory banner. Choplin is no stranger to Kickboxing bouts and it would make a nice match up. Will Valtellini be able to implement his crisp boxing combinations followed up by leg kicks or will Choplin once again use his experience to take home a victory over the younger Valtellini? Either Choplin beats the red hot Valtellini and jumps right into the Glory mix, or Valtellini avenges his lone loss to a highly touted and respected striker.

Wayne Barrett vs. Andrew Kapel

Wayne Barrett surprised many people with his knockout of Mike Lemaire. Unless you knew him you probably weren’t picking him to beat Lemaire, especially considering he only had one pro fight coming into the bout. Now Barrett is in the unique position that he only has two pro fights yet he beat one of the Road to Glory USA champions. Do you throw him into the mix with the top strikers in the world or bring him up accordingly. The best bet here would be to give him a hard nosed veteran of the North American striking scene. Andrew Kapel is as hard nosed as they come, tough durable and likes to get in your face. He dropped a razor thin split decision in the Road to Glory tournament to Lemaire, a bout in which he knocked Lemaire down early in the fight. Kapel would be a good measuring stick for Barrett, if he can beat two of North America’s top cruiserweights it would be a big accomplishment.

Brett Hlavacek vs. Stephen Richards

Hlavacek and Richards were set to fight at the Warriors Cup a few months back, but both fighters ended up pulling out of the match up. Now would be a great time for it to happen. Hlavacek rebounded nicely form his first career defeat by scoring a decision victory over Paul Marfort at Glory 9, and Richards most recently scored a win over highly regarded Alex Berrios. Bother Hlavacek and Richards are both strong fighters who normally impose their will in the ring so it would be interesting to see who would dictate the action in this bout.

Randy Blake vs. Dustin Jacoby

Blake won at Glory 9 against Koichi Pettas in a super fight, while Jacoby defeated Brian Collette in the opening round of the Glory Light Heavyweight Grand Slam and then dropped a decision to Danyo Ilunga in the semi-finals. The pair previously met in the opening round of the Road to Glory Light Heavyweight Tournament, a bout which Jacoby won by third round (T)KO. Blake was the favorite in the tournament and Jacoby surprised many by not only beating Blake but winning the tournament. The first fight was entertaining and there is no reason the second bout wouldn’t be.

Francois Ambang vs. Anthony Nieves

Ambang hung tough against Joseph Valtellini but eventually succumbed to leg kicks in the third round. He was able to land some clean shots on Valtellini, and kept a nice head and body defense for most of the fight, but left his legs open for attack. Valtellini does attack his opponent’s legs more than the average fighter, so it shouldn’t be something Ambang needs to worry about too much, he defended well early but the damage just accumulated. Valtellini was definitely a good measuring stick for Ambang. A fight against another strong North American based fighter should follow for Ambang. Nieves dropped a decision in the opening round of the Road to Glory USA tournament that Ambang won, but would present a strong test for Ambang.

Mike Lemaire vs. Afam Egbochuku

Lemaire went into his fight with Wayne Barrett a heavy favorite, but when it was over he was left face down on the canvas. Lemaire didn’t look good in his previous outing before fighting Barrett despite taking home a victory, and now his performance against Barrett raises some questions. A fight against a fighter like Afam Egbochuku who just happens to be based in San Diego like Lemaire would be a nice little in town rivalry, but would also be a good fight to see how Lemaire rebounds after his first professional loss. Egbochuku has power to test Lemaire’s chin but half the amount of fights.

Wayne Barrett talks win over Mike Lemaire at Glory 9

If you missed Glory 9 on Saturday night then you missed Wayne Barrett make a splash on to the Kickboxing scene. Barrett was brought in to face Road to Glory USA winner Mike Lemaire and many considered him an under dog, but obviously he didn’t get the memo. It took him less than round to establish his dominance in the ring and just over one round to finish off Lemaire. In the second round Barrett stopped Lemaire with a left followed by a right that sent him crashing to the canvas face first. Muay Thai Authority caught up with Barrett to talk about his recent win.

MTA: Huge win this past weekend at Glory 9. You only had one pro fight when you got the call from Glory, but they obviously saw something in you that warranted they give you a shot. What was going through your mind when you were first contacted by Glory?

Wayne: I was excited but I also knew that it was time to get serious immediately.

MTA: You were brought in to fight Mike Lemaire, he was the Road to Glory USA champ in your weight class. How did you feel about facing him?

Wayne: When I first heard the name I said it sounds familiar let me Google him then I saw it was Mike. I'm a honest guy about my feelings I was concerned but not afraid I took him dead serious and being that he was who he was made me want to prove that I could beat him.

MTA: You seemed really comfortable and confident in the ring. Did you study video on Mike at all?

Wayne: I looked at his fights and I saw that as good as he was the biggest thing that no one focused on were his opponents no one moved like me, hit like me or had my speed so my confidence grew in knowing that I was under estimated and I have a lot of tools that guys dont have or dont use. I’m creative in the ring

MTA: A lot of people had you as an under dog but you came out and put on an amazing performance. At what point did you know you had that fight in the bag?

Wayne: I knew I would win when I signed the contract I’m better than a lot of people know and I needed a fight like this to show case my skill. I have always been looked at as not being good enough I dont walk around like a bad ass I love to smile but I LOVE the sport of competition I can turn on a switch that gives me a boost to the next level when I need it.

MTA: You had him hurt and the end of the first and it seemed the bell saved him and then you finished him in the second. Was your goal coming in to score a knockout or was it something that just presented itself and you took it?

Wayne: We thought it was going to be a knock out in the 3rd round actually. He comes out really hard in the fights we saw but then he gets gassed so we knew that he did not know how hard I hit or how fast I was but we would save it for the last round and just pick him off in rounds 1 and 2.

MTA: Can you give fight fans a little background on yourself like how did you get into fighting, where do you train, etc?

Wayne: I came into fighting thanks to my parents I was a hyper kid with tons of energy, I have watch karate movies since I was a baby I would dream about being a kung fu master or samurai all the time. I train my boxing with Kelly Richardson of Gumuboxing and my Thai guy is Rob Rogan out of squared circle NYC. I've been around for a while and I train with great guys that are in the UFC or at the top of the sport. I have known for a while that the ring is where I belong I just did not commit myself 100% so I did not want to go pro until I did. I dont smoke or drink I live in the gym I love to train it’s in my system.

MTA: What's next, has Glory already contacted you about another fight?

Wayne: I dont want to jinx anything but so far it seems that the world will see me again really soon GOD willing but I leave that up to the fans and the Glory organization, I will be ready and waiting with a new bag of tricks for my next opponent.

MTA: Any words for all your supporters out there?

Wayne: For my supporters and to those that just got to know me I fight for the person that wants to be in the ring but have been told they don’t belong and I am here to show that as long as you believe in your self and surround your self with the right people you can make anything happen. Once you start a journey and your serious things fall into place with GOD's grace. That’s why I can take these fights and know I’m going to win

 

*Photo Courtesy of Bauzen

Glory 9 Results and Recap: Tyrone Spong Wins Light Heavyweight Tournament

Glory 9 took place last night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, NY. The inaugural Glory event in the United States featured and eight man light heavyweight tournament. Tyrone Spong was the heavy favorite coming into the tournament and Danyo Ilunga was considered by many to be the man to challenge Spong for the tournament crown. As expected Spong and Ilunga met in the tournament final.
 

Spong had a scare in his first fight of the tournament as he was knocked down by Michael Duut immediately as their bout started, but moments later after getting back to his feet he delivered a crushing right hand that ended the fight thirty seconds in. Ilunga won his first bout by unanimous decision over Mourad Bouzidi. In the tournament semi-finals both Spong and Ilunga won by unanimous decision to advance to the finals. Spong defeating Filip Verlinden and Ilunga defeated Dustin Jacoby.

Fans were expecting a barn burner in the tournament finale between Spong and Ilunga, but instead were treated to an anticlimactic ending. As the fight began both fighters met in the center of the ring and Spong unloaded a flurry and Ilunga covered up, the referee jumped in and stopped the fight in what was clearly a premature stoppage. Ilunga was not happy with the stoppage and protested as fans in attendance let out a chorus of boos at the referee's decision. With the stoppage Spong sealed the deal and won the Glory light heavyweight tournament and the $200,000 grand prize.

Daniel Ghita and Brice Guidon met in a super fight and it took Ghita less than one minute to score a devastating knockout. Both fighters started off exchanging leg kicks but Ghita was able to corner Guidon and began to unload punches to the body. Guidon was covering up and eventually tried to punch his way out but that left an opening for a crushing left hook from Ghita. Guidon hit the canvas and the fight was waived off by the referee immediately. With the win Ghita ends a two fight skid, while Guidon has now lost three consecutive fights.

Joseph Valtellini welcomed Road to Glory USA welterweight tournament winner Francois Ambang to Glory with vicious leg kicks. After a close first round in which both fighters landed solid combinations and leg kicks, Valtellini took control in the second round. He seemed to have Ambang hurt on more than one occasion near the end of the second round. In the third round Valtellini continued to land his crisp combinations followed by leg kicks and it became evident that Ambang's leg was injured. Valtellini smelled the blood like a shark and went on the attack knocking Ambang down with some nasty low kicks. Ambang was able to get back to his feet but could not walk towards the referee and the fight was called. Another impressive victory for Valtellini who has won three straight fights and is now 2-0 fighting for Glory.

Mike Lemaire came into his fight with Wayne Barrett on a an eight fight win streak including winning the  Road to Glory USA middleweight tournament. On paper Lemaire was easily the favorite having 8 pro fights to Barrett's one, but that was on paper. Wayne Barrett looked phenomenal with great foot work in the ring. In the first round he scored a standing eight count over Lemaire and int he second round he knocked Lemaire down with a knee. Lemaire tried to press forward but could not connect with anything as Barrett was in and out of range in a heart beat. A left hook from Barret rocked Lemaire and he went down face first. The referee halted the action giving Barrett the victory. An amazing performance by Wayne Barrett.

Results:
Light Heavyweight Tournament Finals
Tyrone Spong def. Danyo Ilunga via (T)KO at 0:16 of Rd. 1

Light Heavyweight Tournament Semi-finals
Danyo Ilunga def. Dustin Jacoby via Unanimous Decision
Tyrone Spong def. Filip Verlinden via Unanimous Decision

Light Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinals
Tyrone Spong def. Michael Duut via KO at 0:31 of Rd. 1
Filip Verlinden def. Steve McKinnon via Split Decision
Dustin Jacoby def. Brian Collette via Split Decision

Danyo Ilunga def. Mourad Bouzidi via Unanimous Decision

Super Fights
Rico Verhoeven def. Errol Zimmerman via Unanimous Decision
Daniel Ghita def. Brice Guidon via KO at 0:49 of Rd. 1

Anderson Silva def. Daniel Sam via Unanimous Decision
Joseph Valtellini def. Francois Ambang via (T)KO (Leg Kicks) at 1:24 of Rd. 3

Wayne Barrett def. Mike Lemaire via KO at 1:12 of Rd. 2

Undercard
Brett Hlavacek def. Paul Marfort via Unanimous Decision

Robert Plotkin def. Casey Greene via (T)KO at 1:16 of Rd 1

Andrea DeAngelo def. Laura Byrnds via Unanimous Decision
Andrew Ball def. James Smith via KO at 1:34 of Rd. 3
Chris Mauceri def. Niko Tsigaras via Unanimous Decision
Nick Pace def. Levan Makashvili via Split Decision

Mike Lemaire vs. Wayne Barrett added to Glory 9 in New York

Glory has announced that Road to Glory USA middleweight tournament winner Mike Lemaire will make his first appearance for the promotion since winning the tournament at the upcoming Glory 9 event in New York. Lemaire will be fighting against Wayne Barrett, who most recently defeated Strahinja Ivanovic under the Take-On banner. Barrett will be competing in only his second pro bout, but has an accomplished amateur record and is former Georgia Golden Gloves  champion. 

Glory 9 is the first official Glory fight card that will take place in the United States. In addition to the Lemaire vs. Barrett the card is filled with talented names such as Tyrone Spong, Joseph Valtellini, Brett Hlavacek, Danyo Illunga, and many more. All of the action will take place on June 22nd at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

Fight Card: 

Light Heavyweight Tournament Fighters

Danyo Ilunga 

Mourad Bouzidi

Brian Collette 

Dustin Jacoby

Filip Verlinden 

Steve McKinnon

Tyrone Spong 

Michael Duut

Super Fights

Daniel Ghita vs. Brice Guidon

Rico Verhoeven vs. Errol Zimmerman

Joseph Valtellini vs. Francois Ambang

Brett Hlavcek vs. Paul Marfort

Daniel Sam vs. Anderson "Braddock" Silva

Wayne Barrett vs. Mike LeMaire

Wayne Barrett vs. Strahinja Ivanovic set for Take-On XIX event on Feb. 22

Take-On Productions has a main event for their February 22nd event at Resort World Casino in New York. Wayne Barrett will take on Strahinja Ivanovic in the nights head lining bout.

Barrett will be making his pro debut after a successful amateur career, while Ivanovic will be stepping back into the ring since breaking his arm against Brett Hlavacek in mid 2012. With Barrett looking to make an impression in his pro debut and Ivanovic looking to get back on the winning track, this should be fire works in the ring.

Friday Night Fights Recap - Hasanov wins via split decision, Valtellini wins by TKO

by Peeloshmee Deonarain

New York, NY -- Turan Hasanov and Justin Greskiewicz met in the nights main event in a re-match. Greskiewicz had previously defeated Hasanov via TKO due to leg kicks. Hasanov pressed the action, coming forward with big punches looking to knock Greskiewicz out. He succeeded in pressing Greskiewicz up against the ropes several times, but Greskiewicz covered up or slipped the punches. Greskiewicz mixed it up throwing punches in combination with kicks and won the battle in the clinch. He did not utilize the leg kicks that won him the first fight as much this time around, but when he did Hasanov blocked or moved out of the way. Greskiewicz was able to dodge many of Hasanov's punches and caused him to come out in the second round with a bloody nose. The judges gave the win to Hasanov via split decision with the scores being 48-47 Hasanov, 48-47 Greskiewicz, 48-47 Hasanov. The fight was extremely close and some could argue that Greskiewicz deserved the nod.