GLORY’s decision to focus almost exclusively on the heavyweight division is creating serious unrest among its fighters. In recent weeks, several champions and top prospects have announced their departure, citing a lack of opportunities outside the glamour division. AD Netherlands gathered reactions from trainers and fighters, who describe a worrying reality.
At the center of the criticism is the Last Heavyweight Standing tournament series. Spread across five events and set to conclude with a final in December, the tournament has given heavyweights consistent exposure while leaving little space on cards for other divisions. The winner is expected to face Rico Verhoeven in 2026, but many fighters say the cost has already been too high.
Trainer Said El Badaoui, who works with Jamal Ben Saddik and previously Badr Hari, felt compelled to speak out on behalf of his team.
“Fighters themselves don’t dare to speak, but I’ll stand up for my boys," he said. "I don’t actually want to talk negatively, because GLORY is a great organization, but for now I’ll just have to be the scapegoat."
The frustration has already led to high-profile exits. Six-time lightweight champion Tyjani Beztati has switched to MMA, while four-time welterweight champion Endy Semeleer says he feels abandoned by the promotion. Rising star Mohamed Touchassie, long billed as the "new Badr Hari," is also walking away after seeing less-and-less fight offers coming in.
He criticized GLORY’s reliance on aging stars and unknown heavyweights:
"At Ajax they invest in youth so that new heroes for the future are born. At GLORY they’d rather build around guys at the end of their careers. Young fighters will eventually have to take over, but they’re not getting a chance now. GLORY prefers construction workers from abroad."
El Badaoui was even harsher in his assessment of the tournament itself.
"I think half the fights in the tournament are rubbish. They’re even bringing guys out of retirement just to fill the card. That shortchanges real kickboxing talent. It’s all short-term thinking. As a result, a lot of talent is being lost right now."
The wave of departures has also reached ARJ Gym. Head coach Maikel Polanen, who trains Endy Semeleer, welterweight Younes Smaili, and heavyweight contender Levi Rigters, says GLORY’s approach has forced him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
"I haven't shut the GLORY door completely, but for now we’re not doing anything with GLORY for those boys," Polanen explained. "At GLORY you make a bit of money, but you don’t become financially independent. If you break through in MMA, you do. I'm not going to paint GLORY as a bad organization, but they are ruining careers, and that’s what I hold against them."
Even Rigters, one of the heavyweights benefiting from the spotlight, is keeping his options open. According to Polanen, he has already started training MMA and may view GLORY as only a stepping stone.
"We want him to win the heavyweight tournament and maybe fight for the title one more time, but then it has to be finished within GLORY. Guys like Levi aren’t just kickboxers, they’re athletes."
Touchassie, meanwhile, pointed to poor communication as the final straw in his decision to leave.
"I feel like I’ve been on pause at GLORY. They keep saying: we'll see what's possible. Then I think I’m going to fight, but I keep finding out on Instagram that I'm not on the card. That’s not how you treat fighters. GLORY is a big brand, but for me it’s now a closed book. I’m not buying into that smooth talk."
For Polanen, the bigger concern is the long-term impact on the sport itself.
"Something will have to change, otherwise the sport is being destroyed. I have 16- and 17-year-olds in my gym who dream of one day standing in GLORY. That dream shouldn’t have to end."
GLORY RESPONDS
GLORY CEO Marshall Zelaznik acknowledged the promotion’s heavyweight focus but insisted there will always be opportunities for other divisions. He emphasized that many light heavyweights have joined the tournament, a point that offers little consolation to other divisions or to fighters unwilling to give up 100 pounds or more in size.
"We wish departing fighters the best and will continue to follow their careers. Just like the fans, we want fighters who bring action. Although the number of events is limited, there is always room for exciting fighters. For 2026, we are more focused than ever on retaining spectacular fighters and finding new athletes. If you are a spectacular fighter, we will always find a way to sign you and keep you busy."
