GLORY matchmaker lauds latest deal with RISE

GLORY’s Matchmaker and Head of Talent and Sports Robbie Timmers has hailed the company’s new deal with RISE, Japan’s leading kickboxing organisation.

Two of the world’s leading kickboxing organisations, internationally renowned GLORY and the all-action Japan-based RISE, inked a new partnership this week for 65kg super-fights, a unified ranking system and an end-of-year Grand Prix which is set to take place in Japan.

Timmers exclusively told AsiaFighting.com: “We have had a very fruitful collaboration already but with this new partnership the collaboration got even stronger.”

RISE supremo and former kickboxer Takashi Ito, who owns the highly-regarded TARGET gym in Shibuya, has guided his company to being the country’s leading kickboxing organisation.

“We have been working with RISE for a while now and Mr. Ito and his team are great people to work with,” added Timmers.

“They are smart business people but most importantly, they really love the sport and they value their athletes. We share the same value and passion, so this idea of this new collaboration evolved in a heartbeat.”

AsiaFighting.com asked Timmers whether the 'reboot' of K-1 has been a factor in GLORY strengthening its ties with RISE.

“No, that has zero influence on the decision.

“The basis of this decision was the relationship that we have with RISE and the passion that we have to show our fans the best possible fights.”

As fans put together all the potential dream clashes, there will also be many questions raised about how the events will be broadcast.

“We are still working out the final details, but that for sure the whole intention is to make this new league visible all around the world.”

GLORY's lead commentator Todd Grisham told AsiaFighting.com: "Japan, the home of martial arts meets the Mecca of kickboxing…tournament style. It doesn’t get much better than this.

"We will truly find out who the best featherweight in the world is. I can’t wait."