GLORY will return to the Windy CIty on Feb. 24, 2016 for GLORY 38, which will take place at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
On Saturday afternoon (Dec. 10, 2016), the world's leading kickboxing promotion announced the headliner for the upcoming fight card, which was originally announced in November. Artem Vakhitov (17-5), the current GLORY light heavyweight champion, will defend his title against No.4-ranked contender and former champion Saulo Cavalari (60-4).
This matchup at GLORY 38 is a trilogy fight. The champion defeated Cavalari by unanimous decision to win the title at GLORY 28 last March. In their first meeting at GLORY 20, it was Cavalari who was victorious, winning the contest by split decision.
Since winning the title, Vakhitov defended it successfully, knocking out Zack Mwekassa at GLORY 35 in the second round. Meanwhile, Cavalari, picked up a unanimous decision win over Brian Douwes at GLORY 34.
"Titles changing hands, career-defining tournament victories, and all-time great knockouts; when it comes to GLORY, the Chicago area has had it all," said GLORY CEO Jon Franklin. "We've found a great partner in the Sears Centre Arena and we're hoping to make Chicago a regular on the yearly calendar."
Headlining the GLORY 38 Superfight Series that evening will be a heavyweight bout between "Chopper" Chi Lewis-Parry (8-1) and Catalin "The Carpathian Death" Morosanu (42-10).
Additional bouts for GLORY 38 and the GLORY 38 Superfight Series are expected to be announced shortly.
GLORY 38 Chicago will be broadcast live at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN3. GLORY 38 SuperFight Series will stream live at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT on UFC FIGHT PASS.