Moroccan Warrior Reclaims Glory: Khbabez Triumphs in Epic Rotterdam Showdown

An evening that will remain etched in the annals of kickboxing. Lovers of the discipline were treated on Saturday at the RTM Stage in Rotterdam to an intense spectacle, spectacular fight finishes and a timeless classic in the main event. Tarik Khbabez (52 wins, 12 losses, 1 draw and 28 KOs) defeated the formidable Bahram Rajabzadeh (72 wins 5 losses and 64 KOs!) after a very close five-round fight.

"Despite a knockdown in the first round, Khbabez responded with relentless pressure and power to take his revenge and regain the title," reports Fightbook MMA. The Moroccan fighter won the victory by unanimous decision of the jury (48-46 x4, 47-47), thus regaining his world title. A title he had lost after his defeat against Lithuanian Sergej Maslobojev in June at Glory 100. A successful return to the top for the Moroccan champion.

Other Moroccan fighters also defended the national colors at Glory 104. Nabil Khachab (30-6-1, 4 KOs), who put in a fine performance at GLORY 103 on August 23, participated in the semifinals of the "Last Heavyweight Standing" tournament. Unlike his compatriot Tarik, he suffered a defeat against Frenchman Sofian Laidouni (40-5-1, 20 KOs). The latter thus validated his ticket for the final of the tournament at Collision 8, scheduled for December 13 at the GelreDome in Arnhem. In the middleweight division, Moroccan Iliass Hammouche (34-9, 7 KOs) lost his fight against Sergej Braun (46-14, 27 KOs).

Like Tarik, Mohamed Amine (29-9, 16 KOs) also made the difference. The Moroccan defeated Errol Koning and won the victory by unanimous decision (30-27 x3, 29-28 x2). His first victory since 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjPlujXajLc