Global Fighters Union2025-01-21T11:26:29+00:00

The launch of the Global Fighters’ Association in 2025 represents a historic step forward for combat sports.

By achieving parity with other professional athletes in a year 1 broadcast and ticketing agreement, the GFA will not only secure a level playing field for fighters to that enjoyed by other athletes, it will have the ability to start tackling universal challenges faced by combat sport participants globally.

Our members will be from all backgrounds, cultures and ages; from enthusiasts at the local gym to fighters of all abilities and genders, coaches, and managers, to elite level world champions.

We will engage positively with all stakeholders, from media to promoters, broadcasters and boards of control, to government level sports representatives, to combat sport related charities and rights organisations.

Our priorities are to improve health and safety at work, create educational programs to drive future engagement and youth activities including after school clubs and the development of academies, provide employment to retired professionals, advocate for fairer contracts and improved pay and benefits, provide access to insurance, pensions, legal and financial advice and retirement planning.

The GF is committed to fostering a global community of fighters passionate about elevating the sports’ standards. Combat sport remains one of the only professional sectors with little regulation and no unionised representation. The GFA will fight for its members, seek to empower and protect them, ensure their voices are heard and their rights are recognised and respected. We will be an organisation dedicated to advocating for fair treatment, improved working conditions and enhanced health and safety measures.

Our Commitment To Unity

We understand that the challenges faced by fighters are universal, regardless of discipline or location.

By standing together, we will amplify our collective strength and create a global community of support.

As a member of the Global Fighters Association, you gain access to a wide range of benefits and services.

As an amateur, benefits will include improvements in health and safety standards, better training conditions for female fighters, regular seminars, events and online forums.

Year One Initiatives

  • Introducing comprehensive and standardised health and safety reforms across the industry, modernising the environment and making it more fit for purpose for areas of significant growth such as women’s boxing.

  • Promoting diversity and inclusion by creating safer environments, promoting better experiences and more inclusive opportunities, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ participants or those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

  • Providing educational initiatives, including youth and after-school clubs, that utilize top-level professionals—ranging from world-class former champions and coaches to leaders in sporting media and education—to promote bespoke campaigns highlighting the physical, mental, and social health benefits of combat sports training for young people.

  • Advocating for fair pay and better working conditions for all workers within the combat sport industries, from athletes to coaches to managers and other professionals who rely on the sport for their living but are not currently represented by a trade union.
  • Providing competitive benefits: offering members protections and resources on par with athletes and workers in other major sports including insurance, pensions and free legal and accounting advice.

our founder partners

our founder partners

Give Yourself The Advantage

For professional fighters benefits will include:

Representation and Advocacy

We fight for your rights, both inside and outside the ring, will help with legal and financial advice, contractual and negotiation support, better pay and the introduction of benefits such as medical and life insurance, pensions, retirement planning, and medical support.

We will seek to negotiate with broadcasters and promoters to secure standard benefits already enjoyed by many other sports professionals.

Legal Assistance

The GFA will offer access to legal resources and guidance to help navigate the often complex legal landscape within combat sports, particularly within boxing and MMA. Our legal team is experienced in contract negotiations, dispute resolution and in protecting the rights of its members.

Health and Safety Support

Our members’ well-being is our top priority. We will work closely with industry leaders and gym operators to ensure the highest standards of safety and medical care become standard. Through our partnerships, we will provide access to better healthcare, concussion management programs and mental health support.

Education and Training

The GFA believes in continuous learning and growth. We will offer educational programs, workshops and seminars to empower fighters with knowledge about their rights, financial health and career development opportunities within combat sports.

Networking and Community

Joining the GFA is your gateway to a vibrant community of current and former world level fighters who are passionate about improving their sport.

You will be able to connect with like-minded individuals, attend exclusive events, and participate in seminars led by renowned household name fighters and industry leaders.

Give Yourself The Advantage

For professional fighters benefits will include:

Representation and Advocacy

We fight for your rights, both inside and outside the ring, will help with legal and financial advice, contractual and negotiation support, better pay and the introduction of benefits such as medical and life insurance, pensions, retirement planning, and medical support.

We will seek to negotiate with broadcasters and promoters to secure standard benefits already enjoyed by many other sports professionals.

Legal Assistance

The GFA will offer access to legal resources and guidance to help navigate the often complex legal landscape within combat sports, particularly within boxing and MMA. Our legal team is experienced in contract negotiations, dispute resolution and in protecting the rights of its members.

Health and Safety Support

Our members’ well-being is our top priority. We will work closely with industry leaders and gym operators to ensure the highest standards of safety and medical care become standard. Through our partnerships, we will provide access to better healthcare, concussion management programs and mental health support.

Education and Training

The GFA believes in continuous learning and growth. We will offer educational programs, workshops and seminars to empower fighters with knowledge about their rights, financial health and career development opportunities within combat sports.

Networking and Community

Joining the GFA is your gateway to a vibrant community of current and former world level fighters who are passionate about improving their sport.

You will be able to connect with like-minded individuals, attend exclusive events, and participate in seminars led by renowned household name fighters and industry leaders.

The time for change is now

JOIN THE GLOBAL FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION AND BE PART OF A MOVEMENT THAT WILL TRANSFORM THE RIGHTS OF COMBAT SPORTS PARTICIPANTS FROM WITHIN.

Together, we will shape a future where fighters are respected, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Latest News

The Story of the GFU – Chapter One

The spark that led to the formation of The Global Fighters’ Union happened on August 22nd 2022 after a chance interview Gary Neville did with Amir Khan for his Overlap youtube channel. The interview was organised through Amir's agent, Martin O'Shea who had worked in boxing for a number of years, from producing life story films for Ricky [...]

GFU In The News – December 2024

GFU Media Coverage - December 2024 Independent: Read article Sports Illustrated: Read article City AM: Read article Daily Mail: Read article inkl: Read article Boxing News: Read article mundo: Read article ferreiradozezere: Read article pressbee: Read article topgoal: Read article Broadcast Sport: Read article NY Breaking: Read article Yahoo Sports: Read article Desiblitz: Read article Lowkick MMA: Read article [...]

In Conversation With Natasha Jonas

Health and Safety in Combat Sports: Interview with Natasha Jonas As Chief Medical Officer of the Global Fighters’ Union, I recently had the chance to discuss the urgent need for better medical support for fighters with Olympic boxer Natasha Jonas. A seasoned athlete with years of experience in the ring, Natasha spoke candidly about the significant gaps in [...]

GFU & People’s Fighters Event | Exhibition Centre, Liverpool | 6th December

BUY TICKETS The Global Fighters’ Union (GFU) today confirmed its inaugural event, a night of professional boxing taking place in the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, part of ACC Liverpool’s waterfront event campus, on December 6th. December 6th marks the first of what the GFU is calling a “truly innovative collaboration” with the ACC Liverpool Group, part of [...]

GFU In The News – January 2024

GFU Media Coverage - January 2024 Liverpool Echo: Read article Mixedmartialarts.com: Read article MMA News: Read article 247 Sports Xtreme: Read article Fight Sports TV: Read article Insider Sport: Read article Sports Illustrated: Read article Yard Barker: Read article Vida Newspaper: Read article Zenger News: Read article Knowledia: Read article BVM Sports: Read article X/Twitter: View post [...]

Health and Safety in Combat Sports

Health and Safety in Combat Sports: Ringside and Gyms Combat sports are characterized by their intensity and physical demands, necessitating a profound requirement to a full and rigorous commitment to health and safety, both at the ringside, in gyms and other training centres. The well-being of participants at all levels is not only a moral imperative, but also [...]

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

    I am happy for the Global Fighters' Union to save my contact details for future correspondence.


    Powered by:

    Go to Top