Davit Kiria (Georgian: დავით ქირია) (born February 9, 1988), also spelled as David Kyria, is a Georgian kickboxer who competes in the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions.

Davit Kiria
Born (1988-02-09) February 9, 1988 (age 36)
Zugdidi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union
Native nameდავით ქირია
NationalityGeorgian
Height1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Weight70.3 kg (155 lb; 11.07 st)
DivisionLightweight
Reach70 in (180 cm)
StyleAshihara Karate, Kickboxing
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofGeorgia
TeamGolden Glory (2007–present)[1]
TrainerSjef Weber, Nieky Holzken, Bachuki Partsvania
RankBlack belt in Ashihara Karate
Years active2006–present
Kickboxing record
Total62
Wins39
By knockout18
Losses22
By knockout4
Draws1
Last updated on: March 8, 2014

Also an Ashihara karate stylist, Kiria is a former Glory Lightweight Champion and Kunlun Fight 70kg World Max Tournament Champion.

Combat Press ranked him as the #5 lightweight kickboxer in the world in August 2021.[2] peaking as high as #1 in September 2014.[3]

Background edit

Born in Zugdidi, Georgia, and started learning Ashihara karate aged nine in the Ashihara International Karate Organization[4] (AIKO), Kiria later relocated to the Netherlands to train under AIKO founder Dave Jonkers at the Golden Glory gym in Zuidlaren, where he is a training partner of legendary heavyweight Sem Schilt.[5] He began kickboxing at fifteen years old after a career in full contact karate in which he won the 2009 Kyokushinkai Karate Kamakura European Championship [6] of the International Budo Kai organization.[7]

Career edit

In 2008, he reached the final of the Ring Masters Olympia 2008 Welterweight Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey but lost to the great Somrak Kamsing by decision after three rounds.[8] Following this, Kiria moved up to middleweight and continued to gain experience by fighting his way through the Dutch kickboxing scene. On April 17, 2010, he competed in the Superfighters 8 Man Tournament in Frankfurt, Germany. Despite losing to Marco Piqué by an extension round decision in the quarter-finals, he was still given a slot in the semis by replacing Shemsi Beqiri who coundn't continue due to a broken nose. He was then eliminated from the competition by losing a decision to Chris van Venpoep.[9]

After tough losses against some of the sport's most experienced fighters, Kiria finally got the break-out win of his career when he defeated the K-1 and It's Showtime veteran William Diender by decision after five rounds in Assen, Netherlands.[10]

He was then pitted against the up-and-coming Robin van Roosmalen at United Glory 13: 2010-2011 World Series Semifinals in Charleroi, Belgium on March 19, 2011, losing via unanimous decision in a "Fight of the Night" display.[11]

Kiria then moved up to the 74 kg/163 lb weight class from his usual 70 kg/154 lb to take on one of the world's top fighters in Nieky Holzken at United Glory 15 in Moscow, Russia on March 23, 2012. He lost by unanimous decision.[12][13]

Despite having gone 0–2 in the Glory promotion, he was included in the 2012 Middleweight Slam tournament, replacing Cosmo Alexandre to join sixteen of the world's best fighters at 70 kg/154 lb.[14][15] The tournament kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden at Glory 1: Stockholm - 2012 Middleweight Slam First 16 on May 26, 2012, and Kiria caused a major upset by taking a unanimous decision win over Muay Thai stylist Kem Sitsongpeenong. Kem seemed uncomfortable without the use of elbows and clinching and was outboxed throughout the duration of the match. Kiria also floored the Thai star with a mawashi geri in the opening round to ensure the points victory.[16][17]

Advancing to the tournament final eight at Glory 3: Rome - 2012 Middleweight Slam Final 8 in Rome, Italy on November 3, 2012, Kiria was drawn against Shemsi Beqiri at the quarter-finals.[18] After an action-packed three rounds, Kiria was given the nod via split decision and headed into the semis to face eventual tournament winner Giorgio Petrosyan, who won by a unanimous points verdict.[19] Despite coming back from the Glory tournament empty-handed, Kiria proved himself to be amongst the middleweight elite, and moved into the top ten in the world rankings in December 2012, coming in at #7.[20]

He showcased exceptionable boxing skills and an impenetrable defence en route to a unanimous decision victory over Yuri Bessmertny at Glory 7: Milan in Milan, Italy on April 20, 2013.[21][22]

Kiria took a unanimous decision over Murthel Groenhart at Glory 10: Los Angeles - Middleweight World Championship Tournament in Ontario, California, United States on September 28, 2013.[23][24][25]

He rematched Robin van Roosmalen in the semi-finals of the Glory 12: New York - Lightweight World Championship Tournament in New York City, New York, US on November 23, 2013, losing a unanimous decision.[26][27]

Glory Lightweight Championship edit

Replacing Ky Hollenbeck who withdrew from the fight, Kiria faced Andy Ristie for the inaugural Glory Lightweight Championship at Glory 14: Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia on March 8, 2014.[28] He trailed to his Surinamese opponent for the first three rounds and was knocked down with a step knee in the second, but mounted a late comeback in the championship rounds and finished Ristie in the fifth to take the belt.[29][30]

He was scheduled to fight Robin van Roosmalen for the Glory Lightweight title.[31] Roosmalen won the fight by majority decision.[32]

He fought a rematch with Jonay Risco during Enfusion 66. Kiria lost a unanimous decision.[33]

Kiria won his next two fights. He beat Anatoly Moiseev by decision[34] and Nordin Ben Moh by KO.[35]

Kunlun Fight 70kg World Max Tournament Champion edit

He participated in the 2019 Kunlun Fight World Max Tournament. He beat Feng Xingli by TKO in the semifinals, and beat Marouan Toutouh by split decision in the finals.[36]

ONE Championship edit

On May 18, 2020, it was reported that Kiria had signed with ONE Championship.[37] He is set to make his promotional debut against 2019 ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Champion Giorgio Petrosyan at ONE Championship: Fists Of Fury on February 26, 2021. Kiria lost the fight by unanimous decision.[38]

Kiria faced Enriko Kehl in the quarter-finals of the 2021 ONE Kickboxing Featherweight World Grand Prix at ONE Championship: First Strike.[39] Kiria won by first-round technical knockout.[40][41] Kiria was booked to face Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong in the semifinals of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix at ONE: Only the Brave on January 28, 2022.[42] Kiria lost by unanimous decision.[43]

Kiria faced Mohammed Boutasaa at ONE 157 on May 20, 2022.[citation needed] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[44]

Kiria faced Mickael Pignolo for the vacant NDC -72 kg championship at Nuit Des Champions 29 on November 19, 2022.[45] He captured the vacant title by a second-round knockout.[46]

Kiria faced Johannes Baas at Mix Fight Championship on December 3, 2022. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[47]

Kiria faced the ONE Muay Thai Featherweight World Champion Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym in a kickboxing bout at ONE Fight Night 13 on August 5, 2023.[48] He lost the bout in the third round due to his right arm being broken whilst attempting to block a left body kick from Tawanchai.[49]

Kiria faced Ouyang Feng at Wu Lin Feng 2024: 12th Global Kung Fu Festival on January 27, 2024.[50] He lost the fight by a second-round technical knockout.[51]

On February 8, 2024, it was announced that Kiria would be one of sixteen participants of the K-1 World MAX 2024 - World Tournament Opening Round where he would face Thananchai Sitsongpeenong on March 20, 2024.[52]

Personal life edit

Kiria has two daughters. He is an Orthodox Christian.[1]

Championships and awards edit

Karate edit

Kickboxing edit

Savate edit

  • Kungfu World Cup Champion
    • 2017 KFWC Savate Pro -70 kg Champion

Kickboxing record edit

Kickboxing record
39 wins (18 KOs), 22 losses, 1 draw
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2024-01-27 Loss   Ouyang Feng Wu Lin Feng 2024: 12th Global Kung Fu Festival Tangshan, China TKO (Low kicks) 3 0:23
2023-08-05 Loss   Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym ONE Fight Night 13 Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Broken arm/Middle kick) 3 0:30
2022-12-03 Win   Johannes Baas Mix Fight Championship Frankfurt, Germany Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2022-11-19 Win   Mickael Pignolo Nuit Des Champions 29 Marseille, France TKO (Referee stoppage/Punch) 2
Won the vacant NDC -72 kg title
2022-05-20 Loss   Mohammed Boutasaa ONE 157 Kallang, Singapore Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2022-01-28 Loss   Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong ONE: Only the Brave Kallang, Singapore Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
Kickboxing Featherweight Grand Prix Semi-finals
2021-10-15 Win   Enriko Kehl ONE Championship: First Strike Kallang, Singapore TKO (3 Knockdown Rule/Punches) 1 2:50
Kickboxing Featherweight Grand Prix Quarter Final
2021-02-26 Loss   Giorgio Petrosyan ONE Championship: Fists Of Fury Kallang, Singapore Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2019-02-24 Win   Marouan Toutouh Kunlun Fight 80, Final Shanghai, China Decision (Split) 3 3:00
Wins the Kunlun Fight 70kg World Max Tournament Champion.
2019-02-24 Win   Feng Xingli Kunlun Fight 80, Semi Finals Shanghai, China TKO (Left front kick to the body) 3 1:13
2018-10-13 Win   Nordin Ben Moh Kunlun Fight 77: Hollow Throne, Quarter Finals Tongling, China KO (Left Hook) 3 2:56
2018-08-05 Win   Anatoly Moiseev Kunlun Fight 75 Sanya, China Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2018-05-05 Loss   Jonay Risco Enfusion Live 66 Tenerife, Spain Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
2017-11-24 Win   Ludovic Nassibou 2017 Kungfu World Cup -70 kg Final Paris, France Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
Wins the -70kg KFWC savate pro 2017.
2017-11-24 Win   Sergey Kulyaba 2017 Kungfu World Cup -70 kg Semi-Finals Paris, France Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2017-11-12 Loss   Superbon Banchamek Kunlun Fight 67 - World MAX 2017 Final 8 Sanya, China Decision (Majority) 3 3:00
2017-08-27 Win   Marouan Toutouh kunlun Fight 65 – 70 kg World Max 2017 Tournament 1/8 Finals Qingdao, China Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2017-06-24 Loss   Marouan Toutouh Kunlun Fight 63 Sanya, China Ext. R Decision (Majority) 4 3:00
2017-03-11 Win   Cristian Milea Kunlun Fight 58/ Magnum Fc 1, 70kg Qualifier Tournament 3 Final B Rome, Italy TKO (low kicks) 1
2017-03-11 Win   Jonay Risco Kunlun Fight 58/ Magnum Fc 1, 70kg Qualifier Tournament 3 Semi-Final B Rome, Italy Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2017-01-01 Loss   Jomthong Chuwattana Kunlun Fight 56 - World MAX 2016, Semi Finals Sanya, China Ext. R Decision 4 3:00
2016-10-30 Win   Mohamed Mezouari Kunlun Fight 54 - World MAX 2016 Final 8 Wuhan, China Forfeit 1 0:00
2016-09-11 Win   Dzianis Zuev Kunlun Fight 52 - World MAX 2016 Final 16 Fuzhou, China Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2016-07-31 Win   Robbie Hageman Kunlun Fight 48 - World MAX 2016 Reserve Fight Jining, China Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2016-04-08 Loss   Tayfun Özcan Kunlun Fight 41 - World MAX 2016 Group G Tournament Semi Finals Xining, China Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2016-03-12 Loss   Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong Glory 28: Paris - Lightweight Contender Tournament, Semi Finals Paris, France, Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2015-12-19 Loss   Enriko Gogokhia Kunlun Fight 35 - World MAX 2015 Final 8 Luoyang, China Decision 3 3:00
2015-10-28 Win   David Calvo Kunlun Fight 32 - World MAX 2015 Final 16 China TKO (3 Knockdowns) 2 3:00
Qualified to Kunlun Fight 2015 70kg World MAX Tournament Final 8.
2015-06-05 Loss   Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong Glory 22: Lille - Lightweight Contender Tournament, Semi Finals Lille, France, KO (knee to the body) 2 2:09
2015-02-01 Win   Zheng Zhaoyu Kunlun Fight 18 Guangzhou, China KO (Right hook) 1
2014-11-07 Loss   Robin van Roosmalen Glory 18: Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA Decision (majority) 5 3:00
Loses the Glory Lightweight Championship.
2014-03-08 Win   Andy Ristie Glory 14: Zagreb Zagreb, Croatia KO (punches) 5 2:22
Wins the Glory Lightweight Championship.
2013-11-23 Loss   Robin van Roosmalen Glory 12: New York - Lightweight World Championship Tournament, Semi Finals New York City, New York, USA Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2013-09-28 Win   Murthel Groenhart Glory 10: Los Angeles Ontario, California, USA Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2013-04-20 Win   Yuri Bessmertny Glory 7: Milan Milan, Italy Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2012-11-03 Loss   Giorgio Petrosyan Glory 3: Rome - 70 kg Slam Tournament, Semi Finals Rome, Italy Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2012-11-03 Win   Shemsi Beqiri Glory 3: Rome - 70 kg Slam Tournament, Quarter Finals Rome, Italy Decision (split) 3 3:00
2012-05-26 Win   Kem Sitsongpeenong Glory 1: Stockholm - 70 kg Slam Tournament, First Round Stockholm, Sweden Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2012-03-23 Loss   Nieky Holzken United Glory 15 Moscow, Russia Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2011-11-12 Win   Marvin Sansaar Glorious Heroes Part II Assen, Netherlands TKO (punches) 1
2011-03-19 Loss   Robin van Roosmalen United Glory 13: 2010-2011 World Series Semifinals Charleroi, Belgium Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
2010-11-13 Win   Ulli Schick Glorious Heroes Part I Assen, Netherlands Decision 3 3:00
2010-10-09 Win   William Diender Ring Rage Part V Assen, Netherlands Decision 5 3:00
2010-04-17 Win   Chris van Venrooij Superfighters 8 Man Tournament, Semi Finals Frankfurt, Germany Decision 3 3:00
2010-04-17 Loss   Marco Piqué Superfighters 8 Man Tournament, Quarter Finals Frankfurt, Germany Extension round decision 4 3:00
2009-06-20 Loss   Milo El Geubli Fight 058 Leeuwarden, Netherlands Decision 3 3:00
2008-11-01 Loss   Somrak Kamsing Ring Masters Olympia 2008, Welterweight Tournament Final Istanbul, Turkey Decision 3 3:00
For the Ring Masters Olympia 2008 Welterweight Tournament title.
2008-11-01 Win   Aydin Tuncay Ring Masters Olympia 2008, Welterweight Tournament Semi Finals Istanbul, Turkey Decision 3 3:00
2008-07-06 Loss   Faldir Chahbari Ultimate Glory 8 Nijmegen, Netherlands TKO (Doc Stop/Cut) 2
2007-11-17 Win   Marvin Sansaar Battle Under the Tower 2007 Steenwijk, Netherlands
2007-06-11 Draw   Sornsuk Beatdown 6 Amsterdam, Netherlands Decision 3 3:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b John Wolcott (October 13, 2021). "The Georgian City And Mentor That Shaped Davit Kiria". ONE Championship.
  2. ^ Aittama, Zach. "Combat Press Kickboxing Rankings: November 2021". combatpress.com. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  3. ^ "Combat Press Kickboxing Rankings: September 2014". 26 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Ashihara International Karate Organisation (AIKO)". Ashiharainternational.com. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  5. ^ Rian Scalia. "Davit Kiria: Road To GLORY Final 8 Video". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  6. ^ "Kickboxing: America's Hollenbeck draws world number one in Glory Final 8". Fightersonlymag.com. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  7. ^ "話題の成分クレアチニン|あまり耳にしない成分の恐るべく効果". Internationalbudo.com. Archived from the original on 2016-01-09. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  8. ^ "YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  9. ^ http://www.groundandpound.de/allgemein/news/marco-pique-gewinnt-tournament/&usg=ALkJrhi_CpJWcNIbCpsx443_Yr7QjI2HNw [dead link]
  10. ^ "Ashihara International Karate Organisation (AIKO)". Ashiharainternational.lk. 2010-10-09. Archived from the original on 2014-07-23. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  11. ^ "Golden Glory Dominates 'United Glory' World Series". Fight Network. 2011-03-23. Archived from the original on 2015-04-04. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  12. ^ Rian Scalia (5 February 2020). "Glory World Series, March 23: Fight Card Headlined By Semmy Schilt". Liverkick.com.
  13. ^ Rian Scalia (5 February 2020). "Glory World Series Live Results". Liverkick.com.
  14. ^ Rian Scalia (5 February 2020). "Cosmo Alexandre Out Of Glory This Saturday, David Kyria Replaces Him". Liverkick.com.
  15. ^ Rian Scalia (5 February 2020). "Finalized Glory World Series Fight Card For This Saturday, May 26". Liverkick.com.
  16. ^ Rian Scalia (5 February 2020). "Glory World Series Final 16/Schilt vs. Zimmerman Live Results". Liverkick.com.
  17. ^ Dave Walsh (5 February 2020). "Glory World Series "First 16" Impresses, Marches on to Final 8". Liverkick.com.
  18. ^ Rian Scalia (15 July 2017). "GLORY 3 Rome: Final 8 Matches Set, Petrosyan Fights Hollenbeck". Liverkick.com.
  19. ^ Rian Scalia (20 September 2017). "GLORY 3 Rome - Final 8: Live Results". Liverkick.com.
  20. ^ Rian Scalia (5 February 2020). "LiverKick.com Middleweight Rankings - December 2012". Liverkick.com.
  21. ^ Rian Scalia (30 November 2016). "GLORY 7 Milan Fight Card For April 20". Liverkick.com.
  22. ^ Rian Scalia (21 November 2016). "GLORY 7 Milan Live Results". Liverkick.com.
  23. ^ Rian Scalia (5 February 2020). "GLORY 10 Adds Kiria vs. Groenhart, Watson vs. Kraus, Guidon vs. Wilnis". Liverkick.com.
  24. ^ Dave Walsh (2 November 2017). "GLORY 10 Live Results and Updates". Liverkick.com.
  25. ^ Steve Borchardt (28 September 2013). "GLORY 10 results, LIVE online fight coverage stream for 'Los Angeles'". MMAmania.com.
  26. ^ Dave Walsh (5 February 2020). "GLORY Announces GLORY 12 Lightweight Tournament Match Ups". Liverkick.com.
  27. ^ Dave Walsh (2 November 2017). "GLORY 12 Live Results and Updates". Liverkick.com.
  28. ^ Dave Walsh (5 February 2020). "Kiria In - Ky Out vs. Ristie at GLORY 14". Liverkick.com.
  29. ^ Dave Walsh (5 February 2020). "Davit Kiria is the NEW GLORY Lightweight Champion". Liverkick.com.
  30. ^ "Remy Bonjasky Walks Away With Controversial Decision Over 'Cro Cop' at Glory 14". Sherdog.
  31. ^ "GLORY 18: Return to Glory preview and predictions". mmaplus.co.uk. 6 November 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  32. ^ "Video: Davit Kiria vs Robin van Roosmalen – Glory 18 – Glory lightweight title – 7/11/2014". muayfarang.com. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  33. ^ "Enfusion 66 Results: Risco Defeates Kiria". kickboxingz.com. 5 May 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  34. ^ "Kunlun Fight 75 Results: Xingli Advances, Zuev Tops Nagbe". combatpress.com. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  35. ^ "Kunlun Fight 77 Results: Zuev, Kiria, Toutouh and Xingli Advance". combatpress.com. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  36. ^ "Davit Kiria became the KunLunFight champion for the third time". georgianjournal.ge. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  37. ^ "Former Glory lightweight champion Davit Kiria signs with ONE Championship". Asian MMA. 2020-05-18. Retrieved 2021-01-30.
  38. ^ Taylor, Tom (26 February 2021). "ONE Championship results: Big wins from Ennahachi, Petrosyan, Rodtang and Lee". bjpenn.com. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  39. ^ "No takedowns! Giorgio Petrosyan, Rodtang Jitmuangnon set for ONE Championship kick fighting card". Asian MMA. 2021-09-03. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  40. ^ "Davit Kiria stops Enriko Kehl in the opening round". Asian MMA. 2021-10-15. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  41. ^ "ONE Championship First Strike Results: Superbon Crushes Petrosyan". Combat Press. 2021-10-15. Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  42. ^ Bowker, Dylan (2021-12-22). "ONE: Only The Brave kickboxing announcements for January 28th". MyMMANews.com. Retrieved 2021-12-25.
  43. ^ Aima, Arunaditya (28 January 2022). "Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong Shuts Out Davit Kiria With a Dominant Performance at ONE: ONLY THE BRAVE". essentiallysports.com. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  44. ^ van Dinter, Sean (20 May 2022). "Boutasaa geeft masterclass kickboksen weg met verslaan Kiria in SIngapore". vechtsportinfo.nl. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  45. ^ Angelini, Olivier (21 October 2022). "NDC 29 – Davit Kiria vs Mickael Pignolo pour la ceinture des ‑72kg". boxemag.com. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  46. ^ Angelini, Olivier (20 November 2022). "Davit Kiria et Anass Ahmidouch conquièrent les ceintures de La nuit des Champions". boxemag.com. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  47. ^ "ქირიამ ბაასი დაამარცხა". croco.ge. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  48. ^ Pröger, Axel (12 June 2023). "Tawanchai Comes to Kickboxing! Muay Thai Champion to Take On Davit Kiria at ONE Fight Night 13 on August 4". beyondkick.com. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  49. ^ Atkin, Nicolas (5 August 2023). "ONE Championship Fight Night 13 results and highlights – Allazov beats Grigorian, Tawanchai breaks Kiria's arm". scmp.com. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  50. ^ Pico, Borna. "Ouyang Feng vs. Davit Kiria Set For January 27". Beyond Kickboxing - The Home of Kickboxing. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  51. ^ Kowalski, Alex (27 January 2024). "🎥 Ex-Glory's Davit Kiria hard onderuit in China: 'Dramatische nederlaag'". Vechtsport info (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  52. ^ "【K-1】16名による-70kg世界最強決定トーナメントの出場者12名が決定、GLORY世界1位コプリヴレンスキー、元GLORY世界王者ダビッド・キリアら参戦。チンギス・アラ..." ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 9 February 2024.

External links edit