London fight fans have waited long enough. 8IGHT Strikes London lands at Woolwich Works on June 13, 2026, with a ruleset built for chaos and finishes. The card opens in the afternoon and keeps delivering until the final bell around 10:30 pm. This is not traditional kickboxing. It is stand-up combat in 4oz MMA gloves where every limb becomes a weapon and the clock never stops moving.
The promotion launches its first season with two world title fights, international matchups, and a format that rewards aggression. Short rounds, limited clinch time, and open scoring create constant pressure. Early signs point to a high knockout rate and an electric atmosphere inside the converted Fireworks Factory venue.
Date, Time & Venue
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Venue: Woolwich Works (Fireworks Factory), London
Schedule (BST):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 PM | Doors open, food and drink service begins |
| 5:00 PM | Opening fights start |
| Evening | Undercard and international bouts continue |
| 10:30 PM | Final fight / main event |
| 11:00 PM | Event concludes |
The 8IGHT Strikes Format: Built for Entertainment
Traditional kickboxing often features longer rounds and heavy gloves that slow the pace. 8IGHT Strikes flips the script. Fighters wear 4oz MMA gloves and can throw punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. The rules limit clinch time and emphasize forward pressure. The result is higher volume, more finishes, and fights that rarely feel flat.
Organizers designed the show with a “darts-like atmosphere” — quick scoring, loud reactions, and nonstop momentum. Early projections suggest around 70 percent of bouts could end inside the distance. That number alone tells you what kind of night this will be.
Highlighted Bouts & Key Fighter Battles
The card features two world title fights, including a heavyweight crown. One of the most anticipated matchups pits experienced power puncher Mo Abdurahman against explosive European champion Ilias Krafi.
Abdurahman brings a Muay Thai-heavy background, multiple world titles, and a reputation for heavy hands that have produced dozens of knockouts. Krafi counters with speed, sharp combinations, relentless pressure, and three European titles. The styles set up a classic power-versus-technique battle where one mistake can end the night.
Additional flavor comes from England-versus-Morocco matchups and Irish fighter Emma Usher, adding national pride and fresh faces to the mix. Fighters from Glory, ONE Championship, K-1, and Karate Combat backgrounds round out the card, giving the inaugural event real international weight.
Live Streaming & Telecast
8IGHT Strikes London streams on Prime Video, with the main card timing aligned for evening viewers. Check local listings for exact broadcast windows. The promotion has also signaled free-to-air elements in its long-term plan, aiming to grow a recurring audience across the seven-event season.
Injury Updates & Team News
No major injury withdrawals have been reported heading into fight week. Both headline fighters have looked sharp in training footage and social updates. Abdurahman continues to emphasize his power development, while Krafi has highlighted his tactical preparation for the London stage. The rest of the card appears healthy and ready.
Predictions & Analysis
The ruleset favors fighters who can maintain output and mix levels. Abdurahman’s experience and knockout power make him dangerous in any exchange, especially if the fight stays in boxing range. Krafi’s speed and pressure could frustrate him early and create openings for counters or knees.
Expect the undercard to deliver quick finishes that get the crowd roaring. By the time the clock hits 10:30 pm, the main event should feel like the natural climax. A decision is possible, but the format and fighter styles lean toward a stoppage. The winner will likely walk away with serious momentum in the new promotion’s title picture.
What Fans Can Expect Inside Woolwich Works
The industrial space transforms into a proper fight arena once the lights drop. Food and drink flow from 4 pm, giving supporters time to settle before the first bell at 5 pm. The energy builds gradually through the undercard and reaches full volume for the late fights. This is the kind of intimate yet explosive setting where every clean strike draws a reaction and the crowd feels part of the action.
Founder Charlie Herdman has positioned 8IGHT Strikes as entertainment-first combat. The early evidence suggests he has delivered on that promise.
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