Nabiyev edges Groenhart to move into title shot position

The main event of the GLORY 64 SuperFight Series in Strasbourg, France pitted Azerbaijan’s Alim Nabiyev (51-7, 21 KO’s) against former welterweight champion Murthel Groenhart (68-24-3, 39 KO’s).

Groenhart attacked with long punches at the opening bell. Nabiyev sat back and countered with kicks. Groenhart tried to get inside, but Nabiyev frequently switched stances. The kicks of Groenhart found their marks, as Nabiyev struggled to get anything going in the opening stanza.

A little slip by Groenhart allowed Nabiyev to score a heavy shot. Groenhart then looked for a flying knee and was countered by another damaging punch from Nabiyev. Groenhart covered up along the ropes and was dumped to the ground by a Nabiyev throw. 

The referee warned Nabiyev for the infraction. Groenhart delivered a kick to the cup, forcing another pause to the action. Nabiyev landed multiple body kicks and just missed with a spinning backfist late in the frame.

The final frame began with forward pressure from Nabiyev. He scored with more kicks to the midsection of Groenhart from range. The Azerbaijan fighter again fired spinning techniques, but Groenhart was able to evade any damage. 

Groenhart threw punches with reckless abandon, but Nabiyev used head movement to get out of range. The final minute saw Groenhart pick up his offense, but neither man found a finish.

The five judges were split in their scores, handing Nabiyev the victory.

“I want to say thank you to Murthel Groenhart, he’s a very tough opponent,” said Nabiyev.

Alim Nabiyev def. Murthel Groenhart by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)