Former UFC Executive Marshall Zelaznik Returns to Glory Kickboxing as CEO

IT'S OFFICIAL! Former UFC executive, @MrMarshallZ returns as new CEO of GLORY, the world leader in kickboxing, and will usher in the next phase of continued growth for GLORY.

Full article: https://t.co/F6IaeMcBQT

— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) March 18, 2024

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship executive Marshall Zelaznik is returning to Glory Kickboxing for a second stint as the organization’s CEO.

Glory announced the news in a release on Monday. Zelaznik previously served as the promotion’s CEO from 2018 to 2020. During his initial tenure, Glory grew its television distribution and increased sponsorship revenues to “record highs,” according to a release. Zelaznik’s time with Glory was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Marshall’s return is what Glory needs, and we are delighted to have him back. He is the perfect fit for Glory. His track record over the years in combat sports and business speaks for itself,” said Glory chairman, co-founder and majority owner Pierre Andurand. “Since the pandemic, we have restructured the company in many ways to make it more stable and, thanks to the current team, we are in a terrific position now for more growth and developing the business even further. I am confident that Marshall is the right person to lead us and I am excited to watch us grow.”

Prior his stint with Glory, Zelaznik worked for a decade as the UFC’s executive vice president and chief content officer. He was responsible for building the promotion in international markets and was integral in the launch of the company’s digital streaming platform, UFC Fight Pass. Zelaznik was one many employees who lost their job when the UFC was sold to WME-IMG in 2016.

More recently, Zelaznik worked in the e-sports industry as the CEO of Esports Engine for the past four years before the company was sold.

“I am thrilled to be back at Glory,” Zelaznik said. “I felt like there was unfinished business here due to the pandemic and now I am excited to come back to help usher Glory into the next phase of growth. Glory is the most exciting combat sports promotion on the planet, with a roster filled with the best stand-up strikers in the world competing in the most the thrilling form of combat.

“I believe there is unlimited potential and my goal is to ensure we continue to build on promoting the best fights, with the best fighters, and the most entertaining sport in the space. While I have been away, the team at lory has done an incredible job growing our fans and awareness for the sport and brand. I can’t think of a better group of people to join in driving Glory to continued growth.”