Glory 9: NYC Main Card Play-by-Play and Live Results

Glory 9: NYC takes place on June 22nd at the Grand Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, New York and features a light-heavyweight tournament as well as several heavyweight super fights that are sure to appease fans of the stand-up game.

This will be the first event held in the United States by the Singapore-based promotion, although they have assured BJPENN.com that they will ground themselves on U.S. soil again soon.

Over the duration of Glory 9, BJPENN.com will be bringing you up-to-the-minute Play-by-Play analysis as well as LIVE results for the main card fights as well as the Glory light-heavyweight tournament.

Tournament Reserve Bout: Randy Blake vs. Koichi Watanabe (Light-heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: In the evening’s first main card bout, a light-heavyweight reserve fight marked the first replacement in case of an injury to a tournament fighter. Both fighters set up early combinations, using their full arsenal from the get-go. Blake used counters well and mixed up his timing. Koichi get moving forward despite throwing far less than Blake. Koichi seemed determined to set Blake on his own path. Blake landed, however, and backed Koichi up. The stubborn Koichi kept moviong forward, even after catching a spinning front kick to the jaw. Blake ended the round landing a big body shot and a two-punch combination.

Round 2: Blake opened Koichi up early in this one with a hard punch to the nose. Blake used incredibly hard kicks in this round and landed a head kick to a spinning back fist. Blake unloaded hell on Koichi who survived the onslaught but just barely as his knees buckled. Blake continued to land whatever he threw at Koichi. Koichi, knowing he had been badly hurt in full view of the judges, pressed forward but couldn’t generate much offense to end the round.

Round 3:  Blake came after a finish in round 3. Blake made the most of every position he was in thorwing short leg kicks inside, hooks while separating and hard knees to the body in the clinch. Koichi had no answer as he plodded forward while he seemingly waited for Blake to throw rather than putting together offense of his own. Koichi found success after a flush head kick and knee rocked Blake though the potential knockdown was camouflaged by a slip from both. Blake ended the round attacking while pulling a head kick from the strike zone just in time for the bell.

Official Decision: Randy Blake defeats Koichi Watanabe via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)

Tournament Reserve Bout: Artem Vakhitov vs. Luis Tavares (Light-heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: Vakhitov and Tavares came out and immediately forgot what defense was as both landed early. Vakhitov dropped Tavares a spinning fist after a quick exchange. Tavares got up after being stunned, only to get put back down with a hellacious body shot on the counter. Tavares went down a second later and never got back to his feet.

Official Decision: Artem Vakhitov defeats Luis Tavares via Knockout at 1:06 of Round 1

Anderson Silva vs. Daniel Sam (Heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: The heavyweights took to the ring in the first superfight of the night. Silva worked a double jab while turning over his leg kicks and working the body of Sam. Sam kept his hands up, choosing his shots carefully as Silva sought angles and combinations to break the defense of the much larger Sam. Silva frequented a right body kick as Sam stood still while defending. Silva rocked Sam with under a minute left and finished out the round with a continuous flurry of shots.

Round 2: Sam opened up more in the start of this round, lunging forward and landing knees while close. Silva answered by circling out and countering before clearing himself of danger. Sam kept getting tagged by hard body shots with all landed with a thud, clearly doing some damage, even if Same kept his composure. Sam was hit almost every time he left the pocket to strike, yet never waivered when he felt he had an opening. Silva made him pay repeatedly, though and scored with the judges with hard shots and steps to the outside.

Round 3: Sam found his footing so-to-speak as he let his kicks go, winding up hard shots to the body of Silva. Silva answered with a crescent kick that missed the mark. Sam found his ground until a front kick swung momentum back. Silva never let Sam’s body recover, peppering him with kick after kick. Sam knew that only a rush late in the third would help him pull the rug out from under Silva’s night. He just couldn’t deliver late.

Official Decision: Anderson Silva defeats Daniel Sam via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Danyo Ilunga vs. Mourad Bouzidi (Light-heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: The night’s first tournament bout took off quickly. Both men were content to brawl with the occasional clinch pausing the action, but only for a moment. Ilunga landed the cleaner shots. Bouzidi dropped Ilunga with a leg kick but that only dropped the #1 ranked light-heavyweight in the tournament for a moment. Ilunga kept the action going, meeting a charging Bouzidi with counters while Bouzidi ran forward while he threw measured hooks to the guard of Ilunga.

Round 2: Both fighters looked like a mirror-image of one another as the matched combinations never took a step back. Both men landed clean shots while eating their fair share. It did not seem as though they remembered that with a win, comes another fight in the same night. The round ended as it began, an even brawl.

Round 3: The third round was an incredible scrap as the fighters almost lost their balance from the punches they were throwing, let alone receiving. Ilunga went down in this round but it was unclear to see from what. Ilunga got back up to wobbly feet and made Bouzidi pay, decimating his defense with combinations. Bouzidi survived and somehow willed himself to throw even as the bout came to a close in a ridiculously close bout.

Official Decision: Danyo Ilunga defeats Mourad Bouzidi via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Brian Collette vs. Dustin Jacoby (Light-heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: The second light0heavyweight tournament bout pitted two Americans against one another. Both men stayed clam and calculating as they looked for subtle openings. Collette walked Jacoby down while throwing leg kicks from the outside and circling out of the way of any real threat. Jacoby remained stagnant in the first but perhaps only to find his groove.

Round 2: Jacoby put his improvements on display in the opening frame of the second round throwing both powerful haymakers, and technical kicks, showing Collette that he is still deserving of legitimate concern. Jacoby threw much more in this round but couldn’t quite pinpoint his positioning, although he stayed active. Collette slowed considerably in this round, dropping his combinations that made him successful in the first. Jacoby ended the round the aggressor, evening up the bout once more.

Round 3: Jacoby was hit with a hard punch over the top from Collette and decided that offense was the best defense as he threw while Collette looked to finish in a risky move that payed off. Collette backed off and looked to reestablish himself in this fight. Jacoby and Collette knew this fight was close and also knew that a win would be one that was well-deserved after such a physical bout. Because of that, Jacoby didn’t let off the gas in this round, pressuring Collette. Collette impressed with his defense and moevement, even this late in the fight.

Official Decision: Dustin Jacoby defeats Brian Collette via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

Filip Verlinden vs. Steve McKinnon (Light-heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: Both men showed off their incredible speed in the first seconds of this bout. Leg kicks and footwork blurred the vision of those watching. Once their initial jitters wore off, a diamond of a technical fight emerged. McKinnon worked low, to the legs of Verlinden. As for Verlinden, he sought the knockout and went high, snapping his combinations off. Verlinden made cause for collective gasp as he landed a head kick that even he underestimated.

Round 2: McKinnon decided to make round 2 a round for payback as he tenderized the body and head of Verlinden. Verlinden looked a bit stunned at the work rate of McKinnon. Verlinden was, however, capable of landing later in the round. McKinnon tripped Verlinden up late in the round and landed a knee to the face on the ground that was motivated by adrenaline. Another close round in yet another close tournament bout.

Round 3: Both men were deceptively quick even this late in a tough battle. McKinnon showed some dexterity with a spinning heel kick that landed while Verlinden whipped kicks to the legs of McKinnon with no set-up. Both men, now exhausted, went in to auto-pilot in this fight and finished with a crazy exchange of shots.

Official Decision: Filip Verlinden defeats Steve McKinnon via Majority Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Tyrone Spong vs. Michael Duut (Light-heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: The final quarterfinal bout featured Michael Duut and combat sports phenomenon, Tyrone Spong. This fight was one that will not soon be forgotten. Withing the first 30-seconds, Duut silenced the crowd by dropping Spong with a straight that landed flush. Upon the restart, Duut pounced on Spong. Spong found his footing and unloaded an overhand right on Duut that absolutely wrecked Duut. Duut got up after about 7-seconds but dropped back down as his equilibrium tried to level out.

Official Decision: Tyrone Spong defeats Michael Duut via Knockout at :31 of Round 1.

Joseph Valtelini vs. Francois Ambang (Welterweight Bout) 

Round 1: A break from the light-heavyweight tournament brought yet another slugfest to a successful (at least in my opinion). Ambang remained the winner in my eyes. His speed and timing were exceptional. Valtelini was continuously caught and even staggered as Ambang saw receiving leg kicks as the perfect time to counter. A close round that Ambang got the better of.

Round 2:  Ambang slowed in this round as Valtelini pressed the action and rocked Ambang on several occasions. Valtelini displayed a renewed sense of awareness in this round and ran circles around a hurt Ambang, closing the gap for Amabang’s victory.

Round 3: Valtelini came out in the third and threw a leg kick that landed on a leg that Ambang damaged in the first. Valtelini closed in throwing kicks to that same leg. Ambang dropped and the referee called the fight early in the third.

Official Decision: Joseph Valtelini defeats Francois Ambang via (T)KO at 1:04 of Round 3

Daniel Ghita vs. Brice Guidon (Heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: Another heavyweight superfight came a few bouts after the quarterfinals. Knockout speacialist Daniel Ghita came in looking to come back after two losses in a row. Ghita owned this fight from the very first second. He swarmed Guidon and never let up. He threw mostly to the body until Guidon dropped his guard to defend, at which point Guida unloaded a huge left hook that floored Guidon. Guidon’s head bounced off the mat and there was no need for a ten count.

Official Decision: Daniel Ghita defeats Brice Guidon via Knockout at :49 of Round 1

Light-Heavyweight Semi-Final Bout:

Dustin Jacoby vs. Danyo Ilunga (Light-heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: We moved in to the semi-finals where heart was the name of the game. Jacoby used tenacity once more along with improved movement to surprise Ilunga. Ilunga came forward and was popped while his counters found only open air. Jacoby made sure to end each combination with a duck and weave. Jacoby looked much improved from the first fight and most likely took this one.

Round 2: Ilunga completely detached himself from the peaceful nature of his walkout in the second, making Jacoby work to avoid strikes. Ilunga used his infamously deadly knees and leg kicks to put a damper on Jacoby’s final hopes. Ilunga literally never stopped throwing. He knew that activity was the kryptonite for Jacoby and look to expose him to as much of it as he could. Ilunga took a very one-sided second round.

Round 3: Ilunga picked up where he left off in the third while Jacoby tried to react to the pressure. Both fighters traded slips. A clearly winded duo was led by Jacoby as they sauntered around the ring. Ilunga used raw technique to throw his kicks at this point, turning his hips over nicely. Jacoby tried his best late in the round but a seemingly fresher Ilunga had all the right answers and will most likely advance to the finals.

Official Decision: Danyo Ilunga defeats Dustin Jacoby via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Light-Heavyweight Semi-Final Bout:

Tyrone Spong vs. Filip Verlinden

Round 1: A clearly fresher Spong controlled this bout early on as he had only fought for 30 seconds. Verlinden kept his back to the ropes and tried to counter a crisp, rested Spong who stalked him. Spong easily checked kicks and countered. Round one was uneventful but saw Spong use his untouched stamina and dominate a tired Verlinden.

Round 2: As if we Tivo’d round one, Spong chased Verlinden back. Spong was swept but it didn’t phase him. Verlinden showed more spunk in this round and was able to land, but Spong definitely had more pop on his strikes. Spong remained very fast while an over-patient Verlinden let himself wear out more from both retreating and eating shots from Spong. Spong ended with a combination and another round under his belt.

Round 3: Verlinden held his ground in this round, feeling the need to strike with Spong. Spong kept up his counter, though and discouraged any chances Verlinden had of rebounding for a win. Spong kept his guard up and punches frequent as he seemingly cruised to a decision win.

Official Decision: Tyrone Spong defeats Filip Verlinden via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Mike Lemaire vs. Wayne Barrett (Middleweight Bout)

Round 1: This fight was postponed early by a groin shot to Barret in the first eight seconds. Once they started back up again, Barrett sized Lemaire up and took control. Barret backed Lemaire up and shut his offense down. In the closing seconds of round one, Barrett staggered Lemaire who turned his back and stumbled away. This prompted an eight count which Lemaire answered, just before the bell for round one.

Round 2: A very aware Wayne Barrett came in to the second with a boost of confidence. Barrett dropped Lemaire with a knee from the clinch, hurting Lemaire even more. Barrett knew the end was near as he closed in on Lemaire. Barrett landed another flush combination and dropped Lemaire one last time, forcing the referee to call an end to the fight.

Official Decision: Wayne Barrett defeats Mike Lemaire via Knockout at 1:12 of Round 2

Rico Verhoeven vs. Errol Zimmerman (Heavyweight Bout)

Round 1: The final heavyweight superfight was a rematch. Verhoeven kept his distance using a teep and long jab to separate. Verhoeven was deducted a point during the first real exchange of the fight for punching Zimmerman in the back of the head after a slip.

Verhoeven and Zimmerman both missed knockout blows by mere inches but warded off real danger. Zimmerman landed more effectively in the clinch and scored definite points as Verhoeven’s head bucked backwards. Zimmerman ended the round the the aggressor.

Round 2: Verhoeven pushed his own pace in the second, throwing himself at Zimmerman who had slowed since the first. A much less accurate round for Zimmerman was round two, but Zimmerman still possessed obvious power. Verhoeven seemed to level the playing field in the second as he maintained speed and accuracy to damage Zimmerman.

Round 3: Leg kicks were Verhoeven’s M.O. in this round. He dropped Zimmerman a few times with them and used them as his jab after a while. Verhoeven’s pace could not be slowed. He kept coming and easily dodged Zimmerman’s wide punches. Zimmerman had little to offer in the way of dynamic striking and slowed significantly. A close third round which dictated the night on a great card.

Official Decision: Rico Verhoeven defeats Errol Zimmerman via Unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)

Light-Heavyweight Tournament Finals:

Tyrone Spong vs. Danyo Ilunga

Round 1: In a very unfortunate end to a great night of fights, Tyrone Spong battered Danyo Ilunga, who was visibly shaken, forcing the referee to jump in and call a very early end to this one.

Official Decision: Tyrone Spong defeats Danyo Ilunga via (T)KO at :16 of Round 1

Quick Results: 

Randy Blake defeats Koichi Watanabe via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)

Artem Vakhitov defeats Luis Tavares via Knockout at 1:06 of Round 1

Anderson Silva defeats Daniel Sam via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)