A nation will be divided as two of Morocco’s most celebrated sons collide in the co-main event of COLLISION 10 on December 12 from the GelreDome football stadium in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
Following on from his heroics at the light heavyweight grand prix in June, where he defeated three men in one night to be crowned the new GLORY light heavyweight world champion, Mohamed Touchassie (23-3, 14 KO) will defend his title against Moroccan compatriot Tarik Khbabez (53-12-1, 28 KO).
Touchassie established himself as the number one fighter in the world at light heavyweight with three incredible performances, fighting through adversity, and defeating some of the best in the world. Following this win, the 24-year-old was heralded & celebrated by the King of Morocco for this achievement.Â
Now he has been assigned his first task as champion, to defend against his friend, fellow countryman, and former champion, Tarik Khbabez. Ten years the senior of Touchassie, Khbabez has been long established as one of the division’s top fighters with career wins over Bahram Rajabzadeh, Donegi Abena, Levi Rigters, & and is a two-time GLORY champion.Â
“I respect Mo Touchassie but on December 12, friendship stays out of the ring,” stated Tarik Khbabez. “I am coming back for one reason – to take back my world title. I never lost the belt in the ring and now it’s time to put everything right. This is my division; this is my territory.”
“As a champion, I can’t choose my opponents. I would’ve preferred not to fight him because he’s a fellow Moroccan,” said Mohamed Touchassie. “But this is our profession. We both have families to provide for. Once the bell rings, we are professionals.”
Mory Kromah (38-3-1, 25 KO) will defend his GLORY heavyweight world championship against Croatian star Antonio Plazibat (24-5, 17 KO) in the main event of COLLISION 10 on December 12.Â