Imad Hadar Triumphs in GLORY 87

Imad Hadar made a triumphant return to the ring at GLORY 87, held at the iconic Rotterdam Ahoy arena, securing a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Poland’s Bartosz Muszynski. This win was a significant milestone for Hadar, marking his first victory in GLORY after two previous losses and a long period of recovery from injury. The fight was part of the GLORY 87 prelims, and it showcased Hadar’s resilience, skill, and determination to re-establish himself as a top contender in the middleweight division.

The bout itself was a grueling contest. Muszynski, known for his durability and powerful calf kicks, came out strong in the early rounds. His strategy was clear—target Hadar’s legs with devastating low kicks aimed at the calf, a technique that has become increasingly popular in both kickboxing and MMA. These strikes took their toll on Hadar, causing visible swelling on his leg by the second round. In an interview after the fight, Hadar admitted that the calf kicks were some of the most painful strikes he had ever endured: “After three of those kicks, my leg felt like it weighed a ton,” he said. Despite this, Hadar adapted his defense and continued to push forward.

As the fight progressed, Hadar began to find his rhythm. Known for his aggressive yet calculated fighting style, he started landing precise combinations and using his signature left high kick to keep Muszynski at bay. By the third round, it was clear that Hadar had gained control of the fight. His ability to adjust mid-fight and counter Muszynski’s attacks with powerful strikes earned him the unanimous decision victory, with scorecards reading 30-25 and 30-26 across the board.

This victory was not just another win for Imad Hadar—it was a statement. After a two year hiatus due to injury and personal challenges, Hadar proved that he still belongs among the elite fighters in GLORY Kickboxing. Reflecting on his performance after the bout, Hadar expressed gratitude for his supporters and emphasized how much this win meant to him: “This fight was more than just about winning; it was about proving to myself that I could overcome anything,” he said.

Hadar’s victory over Muszynski also highlighted his growth as a fighter. Learning from his experience with calf kicks during the fight, he has since incorporated them into his own training arsenal. “I’ve become a master at them now,” he joked when asked if he would use calf kicks in future fights. This adaptability is what makes Hadar such a dangerous opponent—his ability to learn from every bout and evolve as a fighter.

Looking ahead, Imad Hadar has set his sights on climbing the ranks within GLORY’s middleweight division. With this crucial win under his belt, he is now focused on bigger challenges in 2024 and hopes to contend for the middleweight title soon. His journey back to form is far from over, but if GLORY 87 is any indication, Imad Hadar is ready to take on whatever comes next.