Spong (photo credit: Ed Diller / GLORY)

By FCF Staff

GLORY 9 will go down tomorrow night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, which will feature a a one-night, eight-man, single-elimination light heavyweight (209 pounds/95 kilograms) tournament as well as heavyweight bout between Daniel Ghita and Brice Guidon.

The organization held an open workout for the media in preparation for the event, which will be available via online pay-per-view. Here is some of what the competitors had to say heading into the June 22nd card.

Tyrone Spong:

On his quarterfinal stage tournament opponent, Michael Duut:  “[He’s] very hungry and has a lot to win against me.  I’ve faced everything already.  I’m not worried about anything – just focused on my game.  I’m still young, but I got a lot of experience, you know?  I’ve got over 100 fights”.

On preparing for tournament style competition:  “I always prepare myself completely to be ready for whatever.  The damage is the same.  You’re still going to feel pain.  I think you should train on sharpness and don’t make stupid decisions.”

Ghita (photo credit: Ed Diller / GLORY)

Daniel Ghita:

On his GLORY 9 New York heavyweight Superfight against Brice Guidon:  “He’s a good fighter.  My qualities are going to make the difference.  I (will) win…in one or two rounds.”

Brett Hlavacek:

On what gives him the advantage over GLORY 9 New York preliminary card welterweight (177 pounds/70 kilograms) opponent and Muay Thai champion Paul Marfort: “It’s going to be a tough fight, but I think my skill and technique will prevail.  I’m a little more involved, a little more creative”.

On his opponent:  “He’s a solid veteran and will be a solid challenge for me”.

Hlavacek (photo credit: Ed Diller / GLORY)

Wayne Barrett:

On his GLORY 9 New York middleweight (187 pounds/85 kilograms) Superfight against Mike Lemaire:  “He’s an aggressive guy.  He likes to come forward.  I think he’s tailor made for me.  I love guys who come forward.  One thing that guys don’t do is move and I got great movement.  No matter what, no one’s ready for movement.  He’s an explosive guy, but he has some bad habits and, hopefully, we will expose them.  I have faith in myself and faith in my abilities.  I have no doubt that June 22 will be my night”.

Joseph Valtellini:

On his recent victory over kickboxing legend, Murat Direkci: “Fighting at that level on someone else’s home-ground was tough.  From there, I learned a few things about what it means to be here at the highest level of kickboxing.   I think we’ll see a better Valtellini (on Saturday) night.”

On his GLORY 9 New York welterweight Superfight opponent: “For him to be at this level, he’s got to be a dangerous opponent, so I’m taking everything he has seriously, but I’m prepared for whatever he has to bring”.

Barrett (photo credit: Ed Diller / GLORY)

Doors at Hammerstein Ballroom will open for GLORY 9 New York at 5 p.m. EST and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m.