GLORY CEO stands firm as five prominent fighters leave the promotion

GLORY has lost at least five prominent fighters, including Rico Verhoeven, Tyjani Beztati, Donegi Abena, Jamal Ben Saddik and Levi Rigters. CEO Marshall Zelaznik remains committed to a model built around championship fights rather than paying more for established names.

Zelaznik’s position is that GLORY sells its titles and bouts, not the identities of the athletes on its posters. He is prepared to let fighters depart if their financial demands do not fit that approach, with the promotion instead aiming to make title changes and competitive match-ups its main attraction.

Verhoeven left after surrendering the heavyweight championship in November 2025. He had defended the belt 13 times and spent more than 13 years with GLORY after joining in 2012. His manager, Karim Arja, said Verhoeven wanted greater clarity from the organisation on pay and future planning.

Beztati left kickboxing in September 2025 to pursue MMA with Levels Fight League. Abena moved to the PFL in May 2026, while Rigters also departed for MMA. Ben Saddik became the latest major name to leave after signing for World Fighting League, the promotion created by former GLORY fighter Melvin Manhoef. Ben Saddik is due to make his debut there on October 3 in Antwerp, where GLORY has also staged events.

Tarik Khbabez came close to leaving after GLORY stripped him of the light heavyweight title in February over a pay dispute linked to a defence against Bahram Rajabzadeh. Khbabez said he needed to resume earning and considered legal action, but the two sides eventually agreed a new deal. Beztati had left GLORY as a champion in two divisions, while other former champions have also pursued MMA opportunities, including fighters who moved to the PFL or Levels Fight League.

GLORY has responded by reshaping its 2026 schedule around more regular title defences in fewer weight classes. The strategy places less emphasis on building events around a small group of marquee fighters. Zelaznik’s approach now faces its clearest test as several former champions and leading contenders continue their careers outside the organisation.