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GLORY Kickboxing CEO Jon Franklin joins host Andreas Georgiou on the very first episode of combat sports talk show, War of the Words.

Franklin gives MMA Plus unprecedented access into his life and career, detailing how his appointment as CEO came to fruition after GLORY’s ambivalent ‘Last Man Standing‘ pay-per-view attempt in 2014. 

He also discusses GLORY’s delivery of Rico Verhoeven vs. Badr Hari in December 2016, the stars aligning for a special moment in kickboxing history and whether it was the right decision to put ‘Collision’ – kickboxing’s biggest event this decade – behind the UFC TV paywall. 

The former Vice President of IMG Media – who also promoted Mike Tyson and David Reid during his time at America Presents – discusses breakthrough deals with UFC Fight Pass & Ziggo TV and why having the correct balance between traditional and newer forms of media is integral to the organisation’s growth. 

With GLORY set to make their debut in China on October 14, Franklin also compares GLORY’s most successful markets in North America and Europe and how he thinks China – under the financial support of Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming – can become an equally important territory. 

Heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven will headline the first GLORY China event against UFC and Strikeforce veteran Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.

War of the Words Synopsis: Jon Franklin joins MMA Plus’ Andreas Georgiou on the pilot episode of War of the Words. In an intimate sit-down discussion, Franklin details his appointment as GLORY CEO, promoting the ‘Collision’ between Rico Verhoeven and Badr Hari, their potential rematch as well as the brand’s international growth.

This Saturday, September 30 GLORY return to the spiritual home of kickboxing in Amsterdam, The Netherlands with GLORY 45. In the main event, Robin van Roosmalen defends his featherweight championship against Serhiy Adamchuk

UK fans can watch GLORY through the GLORY Kickboxing website. Click here for details how to purchase.