Updates to GLORY Rules

In a continued effort to improve the competitions for fans and fighters, GLORY has implemented and updated several rules that are effective from January 2025. The first event under the new rules will take place at GLORY 98 on February 22.

Two notable changes include the following:

· Clinching Rule: This rule has changed to permit only one immediate single strike. After the legal strike, the athlete must disengage the clinch immediately and continue fighting.

· High Impact Damage: An evolution of the scoring criteria includes objective signs of damage including wobble, staggering, or reduced functionality as a result of a legal strike. ‘High Impact Damage’ is prioritized over other damage in the determination of scoring.

The updates to the rules maintain GLORY as the most exciting, non-stop form of professional combat competitions.

“These changes and clarifications are the product of our review of the rules and several consultations with our regulatory partners and fighter teams over the course of the past year,” said Nadia Silk, GLORY’s SVP of Athlete Safety & Regulatory Affairs. “Our goal is to continue to evaluate the rules as we always strive to make our competitions fair, safe, and exciting.”

To view the full GLORY rules please click here.

GLORY’s first event of 2025, GLORY 98 on February 22, will feature a heavyweight collision between the returning Jamal Ben Saddik against KO artist Uku Jurjendal and GLORY welterweight world champion Chico Kwasi defending his title against the dangerous Teodor Hristov.

For more information on GLORY 98, please visit the event page.