Featherweight Gold at Stake in GLORY 93 Co-Main Event

For those who may not be aware, this Saturday, July 20th, promises a day filled with intense combat action. Fans of combat sports should be sure to get a good night’s sleep on Friday because they are in for a long day of fights on Saturday. Across various promotions, fans can anticipate at least 12 hours of fight action on Saturday.

The second event on the schedule takes place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where kickboxing will be the main event again. Following an eight-man tournament at light heavyweight in Rotterdam Ahoy, GLORY Kickboxing makes a return to the city, this time in a different venue.

Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam is set as the venue for GLORY 93 on Saturday afternoon. Live coverage starts at 12:30 pm ET/ 9:30 am PT on the GLORY Kickboxing YouTube channel with the undercard. The main card action kicks off at 2 pm ET/ 11 am PT. Viewers in the United States can catch the main card live on Bally Live! and Stadium.

Featherweight Championship Fight in Co-Main Event on Saturday

GLORY 93 features a total of nine kickboxing fights, including two headline fights. One of the main attractions is the co-main event of the evening.

The GLORY Featherweight Championship will be contested on Saturday between the current champion Petch [Petchpanomrung Kiatmuu9] (169-40-3 kickboxing, 15-2-1 GLORY) and challenger Kento Haraguchi (25-3-1 kickboxing, 2-0 GLORY). This will mark the third meeting between these two fighters.

As is the norm with GLORY Kickboxing championship bouts, the GLORY 93 co-main event is scheduled for a maximum of five rounds, with each round lasting three minutes. The three-knockdown rule will also be in effect throughout GLORY 93. A fighter who knocks down their opponent three times in a round or four times in a match will win by TKO.

.@Kento_fft has been on a tear over his last three fights 😤

He fights for the GLORY Featherweight Belt this Saturday at #GLORY93

(Via @RISE_2003) pic.twitter.com/NllkGqX5VK

— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) July 15, 2024

GLORY 93 Co-Main Event Fighter Comparison and Betting Odds

Heading into the GLORY 93 co-main event, Kento Haraguchi stands taller at 5-foot-9, compared to Petch’s 5-foot-7 frame. Reach advantage information is not available at this time.

Currently, the oddsmakers favor Petch with a -350 money line, while Kento Haraguchi is the underdog at +250. If you plan on betting on this or any other combat sports event this weekend, please bet responsibly.

The Series So Far

Petch currently leads the series against Haraguchi with a 2-0 record. In their last meeting two years ago, Petch had to go to a sixth round to defeat Haraguchi after the scorecards resulted in a draw in the first bout back in 2021.

How will the third encounter unfold?

Petch Looking to Continue Winning Streak in GLORY 93 Co-Main Event

Petchpanomrung Kiatmuu9 heads into the GLORY 93 co-main event with a record of 3-2 in his last five fights. His two-fight winning streak was broken by Chadd Collins last December during the 2023 RISE World Series finals, after previously defeating Kosei Yamada on Christmas Day in 2022.

Petch’s last successful title defense was in October 2023, where he claimed a split decision victory over David Mejia at GLORY 89. Another successful title defense would put Petch in contention for a GLORY promotional record.

A win on Saturday would bring Petch closer to matching Rico Verhoeven’s record for the most successful title defenses in GLORY history. Will he secure his eighth consecutive victory? Tune in this weekend to find out.

Haraguchi Seeking Fourth Career Championship on Saturday

Kento Haraguchi has won four of his last five fights, currently riding a four-fight winning streak.

His most recent win came last December with a second-round knockout against Abraham Vidales as part of the RISE World Series. Haraguchi has his sights set on another championship.

Having already won three titles in his career, including one at featherweight seven years ago, a victory in the GLORY 93 co-main event would solidify his status as a decorated champion.

Analysis, Film Study, and Prediction

The GLORY 93 main event promises a battle of strength versus strength. Who will emerge victorious?

Look For Petch to Mix Up His Attack

Petch’s varied striking style has proven effective in past fights. If he can control the pace and mix up his strikes, it will likely result in another successful title defense.