Tyjani Beztati, one of kickboxing's brightest stars, has officially announced his departure from GLORY Kickboxing to chase a new chapter in mixed martial arts (MMA).
The reigning lightweight champion revealed his decision on Instagram. He surprised fans who have followed his nearly decade-long dominance in the sport.
Beztati's Rise as GLORY Champion
Popularly known as "The Wonderboy," Beztati signed with GLORY in 2016. He was only 18 years old at that time, according to SI's MMA Knockout.
"I'm grateful for the chance GLORY gave me to grow not only as a champion, but as a fighter and as a man. From signing as the youngest fighter in GLORY history at 18, to becoming the first-ever Moroccan champion, the youngest champion at 23, and holding the record for the most wins in GLORY lightweight history, it has been an unforgettable journey," Beztati posted on his Instagram account.
His early frustration in his first two title attempts against Sittichai and Marat Grigorian was finally repaid in 2021. Beztati won the lightweight title by outpointing Elvis Gashi and successfully defended the belt five times in two and a half years. From here, he became one of GLORY's most reliable champions.
Division Shuffle and Switch to Welterweight
Beztati's reign hit a roadblock when GLORY announced it was pausing the lightweight division. This left the Dutch-Moroccan star with limited options, forcing him to step up in weight.
He challenged welterweight champion Chico Kwasi and fought to back-to-back split draws in GLORY 96 and GLORY Underground. While Beztati showcased his adaptability, the lack of a clear path forward may have fueled his decision to leave kickboxing behind.
Kickboxers Turning Into MMA Stars
Beztati's switch to MMA places him among an elite group of former GLORY fighters who have successfully transitioned to the cage. Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira are prime examples; both made the leap from GLORY to the UFC and captured world championships.
Adesanya built an undefeated MMA record before joining the UFC in 2018, where he went on to defend the middleweight belt multiple times. Pereira, on the other hand, needed only six professional MMA bouts before earning a UFC contract and eventually holding titles in two weight divisions.
Other ex-GLORY standouts, such as Cédric Doumbé, have also thrived in promotions like the PFL, further proving that kickboxers can adapt quickly to MMA's unique demands. Given Beztati's age, skill set, and championship pedigree, many believe he has the tools to follow a similar path.
At a young age of 27, Beztati is stepping into MMA in his athletic prime. Though he will have to earn a few victories before appearing in one of the big promotions, powerhouses like the UFC and PFL will be keeping a watchful eye on his trajectory.
It's no wonder that Beztati might be able to become one of the most interesting crossover fighters in the sport in a short time. His powerful striking skills, title-level experience, and desire for a "new challenge" are enough to see how far he could go in his new career path.
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