Jamal Ben Saddik, #1-ranked heavyweight contender signs new GLORY deal
GLORY has signed top heavyweight contender Jamal Ben Saddik (35-7, 28 KO’s) to a new agreement.
The multi-fight, multi-year exclusive contract commits Ben Saddik, 29, to the world’s most dangerous heavyweight division for his prime competition years.
“I’ve always loved taking on challenges in life, and I am very happy my fans will be able to see me fight again after a year of absence in the fight game. I am very grateful to GLORY for what they did for my career, and I am happy we’re moving forward and that I will be able to fight on such a platform,” remarked Ben Saddik.
“It’s always been very important for me to give the fans the biggest fights and the most important fights, and that’s what we have accomplished today. I promise you I will always keep on fighting for that.”
Ben Saddik challenged reigning heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven for the title at GLORY 49 in December 2017. It was a thrilling encounter, with Ben Saddik badly rocking the champion in the very first round only to suffer a stoppage loss in the dying moments of the fifth.
The fight was the second time he and Verhoeven had met in the ring. Ben Saddik actually made his professional debut against Verhoeven at a regional Netherlands show in 2011, where he stopped the Dutchman in the second round for a TKO victory.
In his last appearance, Jamal Ben Saddik won the eight-man heavyweight tournament at GLORY 62 ROTTERDAM in December 2018, stopping Benjamin Adegbuyi in the final.
The belt remains Ben Saddik’s top target as he aims for a second shot at the GLORY world heavyweight championship.
Ben Saddik’s list of career victories includes wins over Remy Bonjasky, Anderson Silva, Ismael Londt, Guto Inocente and Errol Zimmerman. He is currently ranked at #1 in the heavyweight contender rankings and is riding a four-fight win streak.