Inside the 15th Year of Glory: A Global Kickboxing Powerhouse in 2026

Inside the 15th Year of Glory: A Global Kickboxing Powerhouse in 2026
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In short: The year 2026 marks a significant milestone for Glory, the international kickboxing promotion now in its fifteenth year of operation. From high-stakes heavyweight tournaments in the Netherlands to collaborative events in Tokyo, the promotion continues to shape the combat sports landscape through a diverse, global schedule of numbered events.

The 2026 calendar for Glory has been defined by its commitment to tournament-style competition and international partnerships. A standout moment occurred at Glory 105 in Arnhem, Netherlands, where the Last Heavyweight Standing finals concluded in an unexpected fashion. After Miloš Cvjetićanin was ruled medically unfit to compete and two potential reservists declined the opportunity, Mory Kromah was declared the winner by default, illustrating the unpredictable nature of elite-level combat sports.

Collaboration has been a central theme for the promotion this year, particularly through its ongoing partnership with the Japanese organization RISE. This synergy was highlighted by the Glory 106 event, also known as RISE Eldorado 2026, held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on March 28, 2026. The card featured a high-profile Bantamweight World title bout between Shiro and Koki Osaki, alongside the Last Featherweight Standing quarterfinal matches. This collaborative spirit continues into June 2026 with the Glory 108 event, which will host the final four-man tournament for the featherweight division at the Ota City General Gymnasium.

Beyond tournament brackets, the promotion has maintained a rigorous schedule across Europe. Rotterdam has served as a frequent hub, hosting Glory 107 in April 2026—which featured qualifiers for the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix—and the upcoming Glory Collision 9 in June. The promotion's reach extends further into the year with events planned for Belgium in October and a final Collision event in Arnhem this December. These broadcasts reach fans through a variety of platforms, including Triller TV, KIJK, CSN, Go3, and Pro Arena, ensuring that the technical evolution of kickboxing remains accessible to a global audience despite occasional setbacks, such as the injury-related cancellation of the Rajabzadeh versus Wisse title fight at Glory 107.

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