Marat Grigorian (63-11-1, 1 NC, 36 KO’s) retained the GLORY Lightweight Championship against the previously undefeated challenger Elvis Gashi (23-1, 11 KO’s). The Armenian secured that with fifth-round knockout in Shenzhen, China.
Gashi started strong and won the opening two rounds of the encounter, raising the possibility that he may be about to become the first undefeated champion in GLORY’s history.
Rounds four and five, a.k.a. “the championship rounds” – were new territory for Gashi but are familiar ground for Grigorian. He dominated these, with Gashi fighting a rearguard action and continually being forced against the ropes.
A minute from the end of the fight, Gashi was dropped to the canvas, the first knockdown he has suffered in his career.
There being no chance of Gashi being able to reverse his fortunes in the remaining time.
“It was a good fight but I knew I would win. He never faced anyone of my level before and tonight you saw the difference. Whoever wants to try next is welcome, it makes no difference to me – the belt is staying with me no matter what,” said Grigorian after the fight.
Hear from @MaratGrigorian after his second lightweight title defense at #GLORY73. pic.twitter.com/7Ev8bf3XOs
— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) December 11, 2019
GLORY 73 Full Results:
Marat Grigorian def. Elvis Gashi by knockout (punches). Round 5, 2:03
– for World Lightweight Championship
River Daz def. Goafeng Meng by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
– Featherweight Asia Tournament Final
Josh Jauncey def. Stoyan Koprivlenski by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Goafeng Meng def. Masaya Kubo by unanimous decision (29-26, 30-25, 30-25, 30-25, 30-25)
River Daz def. Binqian Hu by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Chao Sun def. Farkhat Gassanov by TKO (low kicks). Round 3, 0:46
Jin Hyuk Kim def. Dongqiang Lu by TKO (doctor’s stoppage). Round 1, 3:00
Andrei Herasimchuk vs. Bruno Chaves ruled a no-contest (accidental low blow). Round 1, 1:09
Bruno Gazani def. Vlad Tuinov by TKO (knee). Round 3, 0:23
Chuanlin Zhao def. Thong Fairtex by TKO (punches). Round 2, 2:22
Jianhong Yu def. Yunlong Dou by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Selina Flores def. Meng Zhang by split decision (28-29, 28-29, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
