BREAKING: Luis Tavares and Sergej Maslobojev
will fight for the undisputed Light Heavyweight Title on August 20
at
#GLORY81.Full statement on the status of the light heavyweight division ➡️
https://t.co/XCYGfAbKK4
pic.twitter.com/XecJ7WRJDF— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS)
June 17, 2022
Months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, Glory
Kickboxing is taking a stand on Russian fighters.
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The organization announced via
press release on Friday that it was ending the contracts of all
Russian fighters under its banner. It explained its reasoning in a
lengthy statement, which included “travel bans, safety concerns and
payment blockages.” It is unclear the specific number of kickboxers
that have been let go by the promotion, but this does include
reigning light heavyweight champ Artem Vakhitov. While Glory did
allow Russians to fight and represent no nation or any flag – much
like how the Professional Fighters League is handling
fighters from the country – it is now taking things a step further.
It is unclear what caused the sudden change in status.
“Due to the Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine which Glory
condemns, Glory has encountered a variety of obstacles that have
made it impossible to arrange bouts for its Russian athletes,
barriers like travel bans, safety concerns, payment blockages in an
environment of worldwide financial sanctions against Russia, and
unwilling opponents,” the statement wrote.
It continued, stating, “Current Glory Light Heavyweight Champion
Artem Vakhitov was amongst several Russian athletes to have their
contracts released, thus vacating the Light Heavyweight title.
Glory adopted the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation
since last February of allowing Russian athletes to fight only as
neutral competitors without any national affiliation. However, as
the war has continued, the organization determined it is in the
best interest of the careers and safety of these athletes to
release their contractual obligations to Glory, thus removing them
from the rankings and allowing them the opportunity to compete
elsewhere.”
In light of Vakhitov’s release, the organization was quick to
announce a new bout for the now-vacant light heavyweight strap. On
Aug. 20 at the Castello Dusseldorf in Dusseldorf, Germany, Glory
will stage Glory 81, where Luis
Tavares and Sergej Maslobojev will vie for that belt.
Glory Executive Vice Chairman Scott Rudmann also made his own
statement regarding the contract terminations and the new bout,
saying, “We’d like to deeply thank our Russian athletes for their
cooperation during this challenging time and for their historic
performances in our league. We value them as athletes, competitors,
and friends, and this regrettable situation is not their fault.
It’s not out fault either.”
He continued, “This new era in the division starts with a
compelling fight between Luis
Tavares and Sergej Maslobojev. Both of these men are
outstanding fighters and skilled martial artists, and with the
Glory World Light Heavyweight Championship title as the prize, the
bout goes to a new level.”
Many other international combat sports organizations have kept
Russian competitors on the roster, and some have even refrained
from commenting on the invasion altogether. Since it commenced on
Feb. 24, for example, Ultimate Fighting Championship has staged 14
events. Of those cards, four headliners hailed from Russia, while a
plethora of other fighters at those cards represented Russia as
well. Another major MMA organization of Bellator MMA has also continued to allow Russians to
compete without apparent restrictions. The aforementioned PFL has
removed the displayed flag from Russian fighters and all mentions
of their country during broadcasts, while still letting them enter
the cage.