Former light heavyweight champion Sergej Maslobojev relinquished his title earlier this week on August 26th after failing a drug test. He had won the title on June 14th by defeating the reigning champion at the time, Tarik Khbabez, via TKO in the fourth round.
The light heavyweight title picture is now in a precarious position due to the potential suspension of Maslobojev. Many of the top contenders have already participated in the Last Heavyweight Standing tournament, leaving the title picture unclear and the next challenger uncertain.
With most of the other divisions taking a backseat to the year-long lasting heavyweight tournament, the title picture a division down has grown increasingly unclear.
Both men fighting for the vacant title are coming off losses. Bahram Rajabzadeh's last three fights were part of the Last Heavyweight Standing tournament, with his most recent loss coming by knockout in the first round at the hands of Mory Kromah, who had also looked like a promising light heavyweight contender. Tarik Khbabez lost his title in his most recent fight against Maslobojev, having been defeated in dominant fashion by thunderous low kicks and sharp combination punching from the Lithuanian.
The title fight is scheduled for October 11th at the Rotterdam Ahoy RTM Stage. The card will also feature the second-round match-ups of the GLORY x RISE Featherweight tournament and the second phase of the Last Heavyweight Standing tournament qualifications.
