Kiria to face Van Roosmalen in first title defense

Robin van Roosmalen will be the first lightweight (154lbs/70kgs) to challenge world champion Davit Kiria.

The two are set to headline GLORY 18: RETURN TO GLORY in a five-round fight at Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Shawnee, Oklahoma on Friday, November 7.

GLORY 18: RETURN TO GLORY will air live in the USA on SPIKE TV from 9pm ET/8pm CT and will be broadcast in more than 140 territories around the world.

“Davit Kiria’s clash with Andy Ristie at GLORY 14 ZAGREB was one of the fights of the year. Kiria proved he is one of the toughest fighters in the world that night and he is a worthy champion,” says Cor Hemmers, GLORY matchmaker and Head of Talent Operations.

“Robin van Roosmalen is fast and powerful, one of the lightweight division’s heavy hitters. He is one of the most explosive fighters in the world at this weight. We are expecting an epic encounter.”

Kiria (22-9-0, 7 KO’s) comes from the republic of Georgia in the former Soviet Union. His base style is Ashihara Karate, which derives from Kyokoshin Karate. That art, a notoriously hard style, which emphasizes spirit and endurance, counts Georges St-Pierre and the late Andy Hug among its practitioners.

Van Roosmalen (32-6-0, 19 KO’s) is Dutch-style kickboxing to the core. Stocky and powerful, the Fight Club Den Bosch product throws heavy hands and follows them with sharp low kicks, working high and low in the classic Dutch style as he looks to shatter his opponent’s defense and open him up for the finishing blow.

In an added twist, Kiria and Van Roosmalen have fought twice before, with Van Roosmalen taking the decision on both occasions. Their first fight was when Kiria had not long crossed over into kickboxing, while their second was a close encounter at GLORY 12 NEW YORK.

With the title belt now wrapped around his waist and the desire for revenge stronger than ever, Kiria is double motivated to beat Van Roosmalen on November 7. As for Van Roosmalen, the championship dream is on his mind morning, noon and night and he surely feels confident he will achieve it in Oklahoma.

Tickets for GLORY 18: RETURN TO GLORY are available via www.GrandBoxOffice.com and are priced at $35, $55, and $100.