Ben Saddik Advances in Heavyweight Tournament Despite Injury

Despite a bleeding tibia, Ben Saddik held on until the end and managed to get the better of his opponent, Christian Ristea. His victory was proclaimed by a unanimous jury decision. This is the second fight of the Moroccan champion since his return to the ring at the end of February, after two and a half years of absence. The Goliath had won by KO his first fight against the Estonian Uku Jürjendal.

As in his first fight, Ben Saddik lacked punch against the Romanian Christian Ristea at Ahoy. "Come on guys, fight," the referee said twice during the last round. "This kind of thing can happen during a fight, but it’s well stitched, so now it can heal," the Moroccan champion said after his victory about his tibial injury. "You just have to bite the sour apple."

The 34-year-old kickboxer blew hot and cold against his Romanian opponent who trained with Rico Verhoeven’s team, the eternal rival of the Moroccan fighter. "In this tournament, I’m the one who has to be beaten, and all those who face me give it their all. For them, it’s the fight of their lives. That’s why I just have to stick to my plan and not rush for the KO. The main thing is that I come out victorious from the ring," he said.

With this victory, Ben Saddik secures his ticket for the second Last Heavyweight Standing tournament which will take place in mid-June during Glory 100. He will face the Frenchman Sofian Laïdouni on this occasion. The latter did not spare his Ukrainian opponent Oleh Pryimachov on Saturday, tormenting him in all corners of the ring. The tournament final is scheduled for December.