New Glory format with eight-man tournaments: “On its way to becoming the most intense martial art”

Glory, the kickboxing association known for Rico Verhoeven and Badr Hari among others, will introduce a new competition concept in 2024. Eight fighters fight for victory in one evening in the Grand Prix, which is held in four different weight classes every year.

Glory wants to offer more transparency. Each fight makes it clear in advance what is at stake, and kickboxers know how to qualify for the lucrative annual Grand Prix.

“Glory has grown tremendously in recent years and with this new step we want to grow even further internationally and in the Netherlands,” says Maurice Hols, who took over the management of Glory in October. “That’s why it’s important to have a system that everyone can understand.”

More legends like Rico and Badr

So far this has not been the case. It was often unclear why two fighters were matched and what the consequences of victory or loss would be. This will change in the new system.

“Warriors are becoming more and more centralized,” says Hols. “We want to create more legends like Rico and Badr. “Fighters will fight more often, become more visible, and show more of their personalities.”

Hari, 39, recently announced that he was ending his career. The Moroccan from Amsterdam wants to have a farewell fight in 2024. World champion Verhoeven (34) wants to continue for two more years.

With the Grand Prix, Glory rekindles its K-1 times. At the turn of the century heavyweight tournaments became very popular in Japan. After 2010, the kickboxing club remained in the background due to financial problems.

Hols: “An eight-man tournament in one evening always brings action and heroic challenges. It is extremely difficult to have three fights in one evening. This makes fame the most difficult and intense martial art there is.”

Today, Glory announced new plans to its fighters and trainers. “They are always so critical of Glory. But at the end of the story, those who were most enthusiastic were the most critical. Everyone thinks this is a big step towards Glory becoming a leading global martial arts association. As a kickboxer you won’t do that. “If you want to be successful in this sport, you should actually travel around Glory more.”

Source: NOS

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