The initial phase of the GLORY x RISE: Last Featherweight Standing tournament has concluded following GLORY 102. Across two thrilling events, spectators witnessed intense battles, masterful technique, and powerful knockouts as the first set of competitors secured their progression.
GLORY 101 Highlights
During GLORY 101, Bobo Sacko narrowly defeated Jan Kaffa in a hard-fought contest on the GLORY roster, while Aitor “Currito” Ibanez made a strong debut with an energetic win against Ayoub Bourass.
For the RISE contingent, Hiroki Kasahara delivered a refined performance to outscore veteran Thai striker Lompetch, and Petru Morari advanced by overcoming Sumiya Ito`s formidable punching power in a tough encounter.
GLORY 102 x RISE: Opening Round Concludes
GLORY 102 x RISE, held last weekend, featured the final four bouts of the opening round for the Last Featherweight Standing tournament. Four more fighters have now advanced to the next phase:
- Yuro Kono swiftly defeated his opponent, Dexiang Kong, in the Featherweight Last Man Standing opening round, dropping him with a clean one-two from the 24-year-old Japanese fighter.
- Archaf Aasila showcased an infighting masterclass in his GLORY debut against fellow newcomer Louis Saing. The former Italian Bantamweight floored Saing in the second round with a spinning backkick to the body. Saing withstood Aasila`s assault but ultimately lost by unanimous decision.
- In a compelling clash of power versus technique, skill prevailed once more. Yutaro Asahi skillfully evaded much of Eduardo Catalin`s offense, seizing control of the fight with a flurry of body knees in the second round against his Spanish adversary. Asahi secured the victory in the final minute of the last round with a spectacular head kick.
- Denis Wosik secured a victory by consistently pressuring his late-replacement opponent, Suarek, for all three rounds. The seasoned Thai fighter struggled to maintain pace, frequently resorting to clinching later in the bout. Despite Suarek`s compromised calf, Wosik was unable to achieve his first stoppage in eight years.
A Look Ahead to the Next Stage
RISE Last 16
Looking ahead, the four RISE qualifiers – Hiroki Kasahara, Petru Morari, Yuro Kono, and Yutaro Asahi – are set to compete against the organization`s top four seeded fighters: Chadd Collins, Taiju Shiratori, Kento Haraguchi, and Lee Sung-Hyun. While matchups are still pending, the Last 16 stage will take place on November 2nd at Tokyo`s iconic Ryōgoku Kokugikan.
GLORY Last 16
Similarly, the four GLORY qualifiers – Bobo Sacko, Aitor Ibanez, Achraf Aasila, and Denis Wosik – will face the promotion’s top four featherweights: Petchpanomrung, Miguel Trindade, Abraham Vidales, and Berjan Peposhi. Further details regarding the date and specific matchups for their Last 16 stage are expected in the coming weeks.
The tournament will proceed with a single-elimination structure. The initial Last 16 round will narrow the competitors down to a Last 8, which will also consist of single bouts. Subsequently, the Final 4 stage will host one RISE semifinal and one GLORY semifinal on the same night, with the victors advancing to the grand final to determine the Last Featherweight Standing champion.
Jack Thornley 
Oliver Croft