GLORY kickboxing will return on Friday night (Oct. 21, 2016) with GLORY 34, in Broomfield, Colo., the promotion's third consecutive fight card in the United States.
The five-fight main card takes place at 1STBANK Center and will air live on ESPN3 starting at 12 a.m. ET / 9 p.m. PT. The main features a welterweight title bout between the current champion, Nieky Holzken (89-11) and No.1-ranked contender, Murthel Groenhart (60-20-3).
This will mark the third time the two welterweights have faced one another, and the second time they've faced off in the GLORY ring. Holzken defeated Groenhart by split decision back at GLORY 26 last December in Amsterdam.
The co-main event will feature middleweight Dustin Jacoby (9-7) and former middleweight champion, Simon Marcus (44-3-2) in a rematch from GLORY 30, where Marcus won the contest by unanimous decision.
In addition to those two matchups, the customary one-night, four-man contender tournament will take place in the middleweight division. In the semifinal matchups, Ariel Machado (43-7) (stepping in for Alex Pereira) faces GLORY newcomer, Yousmi Belgaroui, and Israel Adesanya (63-3) takes on Robert Thomas (8-4).
Let's take a closer look at the matchups:
Nieky Holzken (44-3-2) vs. Murthel Groenhart (60-20-3)
Both of their previous bouts were close and there is nothing that leads me to believe this one will be any different. I incorrectly picked Holzken to win the GLORY 26 bout by TKO, and in watching that fight unfold, it seemed clear these two make for a close and exciting bout. I still think Holzken is the better fighter, but Groenhart has risen to the occasion each time they've fought. When Holzken gets rolling with his accurate punching combinations and punishing hooks, he is a handful and a shining example of high-level Dutch kickboxing. Groenhart, while not as refined a technician as the champion, has plenty of ring smarts, solid power and unpredictable jumping knee attacks. I do have a slight feeling three times may be a charm for Groenhart, but I will still side with the champion to defend his title--in another razor close fight--for the third straight time.
Prediction: Holzken by split decision
Simon Marcus (44-3-2) vs. Dustin Jacoby (9-7)
Marcus was simply too much for Jacoby when the two fought for the title at GLORY 30. Marcus dropped Jacoby twice in that bout, but didn't put him away. Jacoby had a few moments, but couldn't find a rhythm or set up any of his power punches, which he utilized on a five-fight win streak prior to losing to Marcus. The caveat here is Marcus comes into this fight off a bad knockout loss to Jason Wilnis at GLORY 33, which took place last month. That is a very quick turnaround after suffering a knockout loss. If Jacoby is able to land a couple of big punches, Marcus will be in some serious trouble. I think Jacoby is well aware of that fact and will try and press the action early unlike their last encounter. On paper, I'd side with Marcus every time, but factoring in the short turn around for Marcus, home Colorado crowd for Jacoby, and I think the underdog gets it done this time.
Prediction: Jacoby by TKO RD 2
Tournament semi-final: Israel Adesanya (31-2) vs. Robert Thomas (8-4)
This could end up being the fight of the tournament. Robert Thomas is as tough as they come and the Canadian has taken on some of the best the division has to offer in decision losses to former champion Artem Levin and former No.1-contender Joe Schilling. Adesanya hasn't fought in GLORY since losing a decision to Filip Verlinden at GLORY 15. The Kiwi fighter can be tricky and unorthodox and likes to switch stances to find openings. This should go all three and will be a tough one to call. I'll side with Adesanya.
Prediction: Adesanya by unanimous decision
Tournament semi-final: Yousri Belgaroui (18-1) vs. Ariel Machado (43-7)
Machado surprised everyone by defeating Pavel Zhuravlev at GLORY 32, before losing to Zinedine Hameur-Lain in the tournament final. Belgaroui makes his GLORY debut at GLORY 34. Machado has good movement, footwork and solid combinations. Belgaroui uses more of a linear approach, utilizing his height (6' 5") length and reach. The Tunisian can deliver some nasty knees from the clinch. I think the Brazilian's boxing to be the difference here.
Prediction: Machado by unanimous decision
Tournament Final: Adesanya vs. Machado
I think the tournament final will go to the judges as well. The second fight in a tournament can often offer up some surprises with variables like fatigue and damage incurred from the semi-final bout, but I think Andesanya will do just enough to earn the nod from the judges.
Prediction: Adesanya by split decision