Nordine Mahieddine is unable to participate in the GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix on March 9 due to an inability to comply with GLORY’s new safety and health regulations that were implemented at the start of 2024. The 34-year-old was scheduled to face Nabil Khachab in the opening round of the Grand Prix.
“We are disappointed not to have Nordine competing in the Grand Prix,” said Robbie Timmers, GLORY Head of Talent & Sports. “However, part of being on the GLORY roster is compliance with our health and safety regulations to ensure a fair environment for all athletes and their opponents. On this occasion, Nordine was unable to make it through our health and safety procedures that are required in advance of the Grand Prix. We respect Nordine’s skills in the martial arts and no doubt we will soon see him back in the GLORY ring.”
GLORY will announce which heavyweight from the division will be selected as a wildcard to replace him in the coming days.
Taking place at the GelreDome in Arnhem, the Netherlands, the GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix will feature eight of the best heavyweight kickboxers on the planet competing in a tournament where they must win three bouts in one night to claim the prize of $500,000.
Confirmed participants include Rico Verhoeven (61-10, 20 KO), Levi Rigters (15-1, 7 KO), Tariq Osaro (25-3-1, 13 KO), Sofian Laïdouni (35-2-1, 17 KO), Uku Jürjendal (20-8, 16 KO), Bahram Rajabzadeh (65-1, 58 KO), and Nabil Khachab (25-18, 13 KO).