New GLORY Champ Simon Marcus Embraces All Challengers “With Open Arms”
By Kelsey Mowatt
After securing GLORY’s middleweight crown last month, by defeating Artem Levin, Simon Marcus isn’t making any callouts for his first title defense.
Marcus faced Levin at GLORY 27 on February 26th, and was awarded the belt, after the latter forfeited the fight in round three. The Russian fighter was upset about the second point he had been deducted for clinching, and refused to continue. The bout marked the second time Marcus has defeated Levin to date, and it followed the controversial draw they had last May.
Recently the Canadian-Jamaican fighter appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio, and when Marcus was asked about who he’d like to fight next, he stated:
“For me it doesn’t matter; it doesn’t matter,” said Marcus. “I embrace everyone who wants a shot at the title with open arms. I’m not just here to win the title and feel great. I feel that I’m the best in the world and with my platform, I’m in the position to show it and dominate.”
“I don’t plan on giving up the title anytime soon,” the 29 year-old furthered. “I’m going to defend it and defend it just the same way that I came for it, which is with everything that I have. It’s important to me. It doesn’t matter to me who’s the next fighter. I can guarantee the fans and the GLORY fans, the market fans, that it’s going to be an exciting fight, whoever it is.”
GLORY 27 also featured a middleweight contender tourney, and American Dustin Jacoby went on to defeat Karl Roberson and Wayne Barrett to clinch a title shot. It remains to be seen, however, if that’s the fight GLORY books next.
“Sure, whoever, Jacoby, it really doesn’t matter to me,” said Marcus. “I’m not worried about anybody in my division. The only thing I’m ever worried about is being the best, the best that I can be when I step in the ring. If I am, it doesn’t matter who’s across the ring from me. That title is staying on my side.”
To see Marcus’s thoughts on his recent fight with Levin, and how the bout ended, head here.
GLORY 28 takes place this Saturday in Paris, France. The “superfights” will stream on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 1 PM/ET, and the main card will be broadcast on ESPN 3 at 4PM/ET.