The headline bout for GLORY’s upcoming event in Belgium has been announced as returning kickboxing legend Remy Bonjasky (75-14) squares off against Brazilian standout Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva (32-7). The event will take place at the Vorst National Arena in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 6.
News of the main event was announced by the GLORY World Series today via official press release. The promotion also confirmed that Gokhan Saki, Nieky Holzken and rising stars Filip Verlinden and Andy Ristie are also slated for action on the night.
Here is what Marcus Luer, Managing Director of GLORY Sports International had to say:
“We are thrilled to bring world-class GLORY kickboxing action to fight fans in the city of Brussels and to welcome Remy Bonjasky back to the ring where he has accomplished so many incredible feats,” Luer also said “I think that his thirst for competition and the strength of the heavyweight division that GLORY has assembled is what ultimately tempted Remy to come out of retirement. Over his period of recluse he has watched others, like his opponent Anderson Silva, ascend in the rankings and grab the spotlight.”
Before taking a break from the sport in 2009 due to a nagging eye injury, Bonjasky was last in action against Semmy Schilt where he lost via first round in the semi-final of the 2009 K-1 World Grand Prix. Prior to that he had built up a nine fight winning streak, defeating notable fighters such as Alistair ‘The Demolition Man’ Overeem, Jerome LeBanner, Melvin Manhoef, Gokhan Saki and Badr Hari. The three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion now makes his return to kickboxing as his eye has now regained perfect health.
Here is what Remy Bonjasky had to say:
“Everything is in place – my health, the support of my team and a place in the world’s top kickboxing league. GLORY has put together a roster of the best heavyweights on the planet – the timing for my return and making another run at becoming a world champion is perfect.”
Anderson enters this fight on a two fight losing streak, after dropping back-to-back unanimous decisions to Cătălin Moroşanu and Badr Hari. Prior to those two losses Silva picked up three straight victories over Freddy Kemayo, Michael Duut, and Nikolaj Falin. Silva is a native of Brazil who relocated to Amsterdam to train amongst some of the finest heavyweight kickboxers, including iconic champion Peter Aerts. The Brazilian’s performances this year have marked him as one to watch and he is a very stiff challenge for Bonjasky’s return to the ring.
Here is what Anderson Silva had to say:
“This fight with Remy is a dream come true for me,” said Silva. “Remy was one of the great world champions I looked up to when I was younger. To now have the opportunity to stand opposite him in the GLORY ring and show the world what I’m made of and how far I’ve come in this sport is an honor. I will be at my best when we fight – and I will win.”
Stay close to Pro MMA Now (www.prommanow.com) for all the latest K-1 news.