GLORY Kickboxing has finalized its plans for one of the most anticipated rematches in heavyweight history.
On Saturday, Dec. 21, the promotion will touch down at the GelreDome in Arnhem, the Netherlands for GLORY: Collision 2.
In the night’s main event, the promotion’s long-reigning heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven will meet Badr Hari for a second time and the fight will take place over five rounds.
The pair met previously at GLORY: Collision in late 2016 in Oberhausen, Germany. In the fight’s second round, Hari suffered an arm injury and Verhoeven claimed the TKO victory.
“This is the fight that everybody wanted. And mark my words, I always finish what I start! No use running away this time,” said Verhoeven.
Hari retorted, “I know exactly what to expect from this fight but he doesn’t have any idea of who is coming after him. Rico will be facing Badr Hari for the first time.”
Since the first meeting nearly three years ago, Verhoeven has competed five times, successfully defending his title three times.
Hari, meanwhile, has fought just once. He bested Hesdy Gerges at GLORY 51, but the fight was later overturned to a no-contest after Hari tested positive for a banned substance. His suspension comes to an end just in time for the rematch with Verhoeven.
Additional bouts for the event will be announced by the promotion at a future time.