Glory (kickboxing)

Glory is a professional kickboxing promotion founded in 2012, considered one of the world's premier kickboxing leagues. It showcases a roster of international fighters competing across multiple weight classes.

History:

Glory was established with the ambition of unifying the scattered landscape of professional kickboxing under a single, global banner. It aimed to bring a higher level of professionalism and consistent rule sets to the sport. The promotion quickly acquired and absorbed several existing kickboxing organizations and fight contracts, including Golden Glory (a renowned fight team and management organization) and assets from It's Showtime, solidifying its position in the market.

Structure and Rules:

Glory events typically feature a mix of single fights and tournament formats, with the latter providing a path for fighters to climb the rankings. The rules generally adhere to a stand-up fighting style, incorporating punches, kicks, knees, and limited clinch work. Elbow strikes and takedowns are usually prohibited. Fights are typically contested over three rounds, with championship fights going to five rounds. Scoring is based on the 10-point must system.

Weight Classes:

Glory features several weight classes for both men and women, ranging from featherweight to heavyweight. The weight classes are adjusted periodically to align with industry standards and fighter availability. Key weight divisions include heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, and featherweight.

Notable Fighters:

Throughout its history, Glory has featured numerous high-profile and accomplished kickboxers. These have included, but are not limited to, Rico Verhoeven, Badr Hari, Alex Pereira, Artem Vakhitov, and Cedric Doumbé.

Broadcasting:

Glory events are broadcast internationally on various television networks and streaming platforms, making them accessible to a global audience. Broadcast partnerships vary by region.

Impact:

Glory's emergence has had a significant impact on the sport of kickboxing, contributing to increased exposure, standardized rules, and a more streamlined competitive environment. It remains a major player in the combat sports world.