GLORY 109 brings Kwasi vs Hristov trilogy to Rotterdam

HAPPENING 5 SEP 2026 | GLORY returns to RTM Stage Rotterdam on Saturday 5 September with GLORY 109, headlined by a welterweight world title fight between Chico Kwasi and Teodor Hristov. The event brings a trilogy bout, heavyweight power and several Welterweight Proving Grounds fights to Rotterdam.

For Rotterdam fight fans, the main story is clear: Kwasi is defending his GLORY welterweight world title against Bulgaria’s Hristov in the third chapter of their rivalry.

Kwasi faces Hristov again

Chico Kwasi enters GLORY 109 as a double champion, with a professional record listed by GLORY as 46 wins, 6 losses, 2 draws and 23 knockouts. On 5 September, he defends his welterweight belt against Teodor Hristov, whose record is listed as 20 wins, 5 losses and 8 knockouts.

The fight is being billed as Kwasi vs Hristov Part III. That trilogy angle gives the Rotterdam event more weight than a standard title defence, because both fighters come into the bout with shared history and something to settle.

Hristov is currently listed as the number-one challenger for the welterweight title. For Kwasi, defending the belt in Rotterdam adds a home-stage feel to the evening, even within an international GLORY setting.

GLORY 109 follows the momentum of COLLISION 9 earlier this summer and puts RTM Stage back at the centre of the kickboxing calendar. Rotterdam and GLORY do know how to find each other, bless them.

Heavyweight clash adds force

The event also includes a heavyweight fight between Tariq “Cookie” Osaro and Errol “The Bonecrusher” Zimmerman. GLORY lists Osaro at 31 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw and 17 knockouts, while Zimmerman brings a far longer record of 112 wins, 21 losses, 1 draw and 45 knockouts.

Osaro is a former interim heavyweight champion, while Zimmerman remains one of the most recognisable names in heavyweight kickboxing. Their fight gives the card a second major point of interest beyond the title bout.

For spectators, this is the kind of heavyweight pairing that does not need too much explanation. One fighter is still pushing forward in the division, the other carries years of ring experience and knockout danger.

GLORY also lists several confirmed match-ups around the main card, including Figuereido Landman against Mohammed Boutasaa, Valentin Knau against Mohammed Hamdi, Antonio Krajinovic against Michael Samperi and Vedat Hoduk against Nikola Todorovic.

Proving Grounds points to Grand Prix

Part of the GLORY 109 programme is built around the Welterweight Proving Grounds. These fights are designed to give contenders a chance to make their case for a place in the GLORY Welterweight 8-Man Grand Prix later in the year.

That makes the undercard more than a warm-up. Fighters are not just competing for a result on the night, but also for visibility, ranking pressure and a possible route into a larger tournament.

The Landman vs Boutasaa fight is one of the confirmed Proving Grounds bouts and has already been described as a charged match-up. More fights may still be added to the GLORY 109 card in the run-up to September.

For Rotterdam audiences, the format means there should be a mix of established names, title stakes and fighters trying to force their way into the next big welterweight conversation.

Tickets and practical details

GLORY 109 takes place on Saturday 5 September 2026 at RTM Stage Rotterdam. Rotterdam Ahoy lists doors at 16:00, with the event starting at 17:00 and ending at 23:00. Tickets are on sale via https://tickets.glorykickboxing.com and the official GLORY website, https://glorykickboxing.com. Rotterdam Ahoy also lists event and parking information through its own event page.

How to get there

RTM Stage is part of Rotterdam Ahoy, located next to Zuidplein in Rotterdam-Zuid. The venue is easy to reach by metro via Zuidplein station, with bus connections nearby and parking available around Ahoy. For big fight nights, public transport is usually the calmer option, especially after the final bell.