When he first became a professional kickboxer, Mourad Bouzidi (77-22-2, 34 KO’s) had three locations he wanted to fight in: the USA, Tokyo and Dubai.
He has now realized that dream with GLORY, the final piece being a light-heavyweight fight with Dustin Jacoby (4-6, 3 KO’s) at GLORY 20 DUBAI on the Superfight Series 20.
They fought three hard rounds and though Jacoby displayed his most complete kickboxing game to date, it wasn’t enough. The veteran Bouzidi used every technique in his arsenal to close Jacoby out and take a unanimous decision.
“I didn’t fight for nearly a year before this one so I was a little bit rusty, but I felt good in there and I think it was a good performance,” said Bouzidi afterwards.
“He had some good punches but I never really felt like I was in trouble. My only issue really was that I felt like my timing was a little off, my eyes weren’t sharp. That’s what happens when you don’t compete for a while.
“Next, I don’t mind. Any weight, heavyweight or light-heavyweight, whoever they want me to fight. But I want to get back in there quickly because I don’t want to lose this sharpness.”
As for Jacoby, while the loss continues a run of tough luck he earned plaudits from key figures. GLORY matchmaker Cor Hemmers said that Jacoby had shown “great improvement in his game” and noted that he had taken the fight on just three weeks’ notice.
“Again and again Dustin has stepped up for us and I think it is only fair we recognize that. Yes he has had some losses recently but I think now he deserves to face a fighter at a similar level and with proper time to prepare, so we can see where he is really at,” he said.
