GLORY has been negotiating with our light heavyweight champion Gokhan Saki on a new contract since he won the title in April 2014.
During this negotiation period, GLORY had the opportunity to partner with Bellator MMA on the much-anticipated Bellator: DYNAMITE show, an ideal opportunity to showcase not only Saki, but the light-heavyweight division and title in front of kickboxing and MMA fans worldwide.
GLORY could not come to an agreement with Saki to compete on the Sept. 19 card. As a result, considering the fact that this title has not been defended in well over a year, GLORY has been forced to vacate the title due to inactivity.
However, the organization is working on a deal with Saki to compete for GLORY before year's end
"Acting in good faith, and because we are in ongoing negotiations with Gokhan [Saki], GLORY wanted to allow every chance for a light heavyweight title defense to take place on the DYNAMITE card even though it has been over a year," said GLORY CEO Jon Franklin. "We couldn't make that happen, but our deep light heavyweight division has been itching to fight for the belt and now two of our athletes will get that opportunity. We also look forward to Gokhan's return to the GLORY ring and are confident it will happen soon.
GLORY's next light heavyweight title fight will be announced this week.
About GLORY:
Founded in 2012, GLORY is owned and operated by GLORY Sports International (GSI), a professional martial arts organization and television content provider that maintains offices in New York, Denver, London, Amsterdam, and Singapore. GLORY programming is seen in over 170 territories. GLORY kickboxing rules are comprised of a mix of several combat disciplines including Karate, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and traditional Boxing. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @GLORY_WS, and visit us online at gloryworldseries.com.