One of the most popular heavyweights in the world is set to make his highly anticipated return to action. Jamal Ben Saddik who holds a record of 36-9, 29 KO will step back into the ring for the first time in over two years in February 2025. 

The 34-year-old is a former heavyweight title contender and the 2018 GLORY heavyweight tournament champion. His long-standing rivalry with Rico Verhoeven is arguably the biggest in GLORY Kickboxing history.

Jamal Ben Saddik’s resume reads like a “who’s who” of kickboxing greats. With career-defining victories over names like Guto Inocente, Junior Tafa, Errol Zimmerman, Remy Bonjasky, and even Rico Verhoeven, the 34-year-old’s global dominance has spanned iconic venues from Japan to the United States, France, and the Netherlands.

But this isn’t just a comeback, it’s a clash with a redefined and more dangerous GLORY heavyweight division. In his absence, rising stars like Levi Rigters, Tariq Osaro, Bahram Rajabzadeh, Antonio Plazibat, Sofian Laidouni, Ionut Iancu, and Uku Jurjendal have brought fresh energy to the most explosive division in combat sports. Can “The Goliath” reclaim his throne, or will the new generation prove too much, only time will tell.

READ MORE: Rico Verhoeven Sets Eyes For Crossover Matchup Against Francis Ngannou

Who is Jamal Ben Saddik’s biggest rival?

When we speak about Jamal Ben Saddik, the name Rico Verhoeven comes straight to mind. The two have faced each other three times with the latter just winning their first bout.

Interestingly, Rico Verhoeven is the reigning GLORY heavyweight champion. While he was pursuing a fight against Francis Ngannou, it looks his former foe will get one more crack at him upon his return. 

That said, it will be interesting to see who Saddik faces upon his return to the world of kickboxing in February 2025.

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