2023 was a tough year for Germany’s Vladimir Toktasynov. After three straight losses, his motivation began to fade. But his GLORY kickboxing promoter, Robbie Timmers, refused to give up on him. A heartfelt conversation between the two reignited Toktasynov’s drive to step back into the ring. Unfortunately, luck didn’t follow. The years 2024 and 2025 brought more disappointment, marked by losses and canceled fights.

He quietly stepped away from social media, with his last Instagram post dating back to July 2024. For months, fans heard little from him. No fight announcements, no training updates. And then, out of nowhere, a somber post from GLORY has revealed his untimely demise at the age of 36. “GLORY is saddened to learn about the sudden passing of veteran Vladimir Tok.

“We will always remember his time in the GLORY ring, plus his long career competing across Europe. Our condolences to his friends, teammates, and family.”

Looking back at his career, Vladimir Toktasynov started competing in 2009. His record stands at a total of 71 matchups, winning 51 and losing 20, according to the Fighting Entertainment Association’s statistics.

MMA record keeper, Tapology, claims that the German fighter also had one MMA fight in his career, which he lost.

Despite not winning a title in GLORY, Toktasynov was able to win a world championship while competing under the Lithuania-based King of Kings promotion, winning the heavyweight title in 2015. KOK, too, expressed profound sadness. “Vladimir Tok will always remain part of KOK history,” their statement read. “His strength, character, and fighting spirit will never be forgotten.”

Vladimir Toktasynov did not make it to the top of the combat sports world, like GLORY alums Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya did. But the fans of the promotion remember him for his contribution to the world of kickboxing and Muay Thai. Here’s what they had to say.

Fans mourn GLORY fighter’s untimely demise

Fans and followers of GLORY Kickboxing have expressed shock over the sudden passing of Vladimir Toktasynov. Common reactions like “RIP” and “Rest in Peace my friend” flooded the comments sections when the promotion announced the news on Instagram. The fans, who’ve followed his career, even though it was not the most high-profile one, thanked him for his contribution to combat sports, writing. “Salute to a warrior.”

Given that he was 36 years old, which is way too young, some fans are still in disbelief after hearing the tragic news. They wrote, “No way.”

An Instagram user opened up about the tough time they went through recently, with their mother passing away, and empathized with Toktasynov’s family. “It’s a hard year on November 1st my mother died.” 

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2025 has been a year in which many combat sports figures have breathed their last. Just recently, another GLORY fighter, Suman Mokhtarian, who once competed in the UFC, passed away due to gang-related violence, which was big news in the fight community.

One sad comment went, “Why does everybody die this year?” In the end, there was one Instagram user who cautioned people by talking about the importance of one’s well-being. “That’s how you see brothers death has no age!” 

Vladimir Toktasynov has left a great impression on the fighters he shared a roster with and the promotions he has worked in. His untimely passing is a tremendous loss to the kickboxing community, and our prayers are with his family and close ones.