FIGHT FOR PEACE puts Ostend on the kickboxing map
Ostend, 17 January 2026 – Ostend experienced a historic first on Saturday night with FIGHT FOR PEACE, the first kickboxing event of this magnitude to be organised in the city. With a packed hall, 19 fights and a high sporting level, the event proved to be a hit.
The fightcard was carefully constructed and offered a wide mix of talent and experience. A total of 7 youth bouts, 9 bouts for newcomers and 3 amateur C bouts were on the programme. That variety made for an exciting evening in which both emerging talent and experienced fighters were able to showcase themselves.
Honour Fight For Peace
Before the first bell rang, the hall fell silent for a subdued and emotional tribute. The community commemorated the tragic loss of a 26-year-old boy. The moment of silence brought a palpable sense of connection and underlined the human side of the sport, even before the physical battle erupted.
Then the atmosphere turned to pure energy. The stands were packed and the audience made itself heard throughout the evening. Every action in the ring was met with cheers, which visibly gave the fighters extra strength. The organisers won praise for their tight schedule and strong matchmaking: most of the matches were evenly matched and intense.
Fight For Peace
Several fights kept the audience in suspense until the final seconds. In two matches, the referee even had to count to eight, a clear sign of the ferocity and determination in the ring. The youth matches also impressed: with the necessary safety measures, young fighters were allowed to fight realistically, including controlled punches and kicks to the head.
The intensity here and there led to intervention by the competition management. In two fights, warnings and yellow cards were issued to strictly enforce the rules and ensure safety. That resolute approach emphasised the professional nature of the event.
Fight For Peace
The most talked-about moment of the evening came during the closing C-match. An earlier yellow card was followed by a foul where, despite a ban, a knee was placed to the head. The action led to an immediate knockout and disqualification, a controversial and abrupt end to the match.
Despite that ending, FIGHT FOR PEACE still stands up as a sporting and organisational success. The event left a lasting impression and proved that Ostend is ready for large-scale kickboxing events. The city put itself firmly on the map with this premiere.
