Tiffany Van Soest and Anissa Meksen, two of the most decorated athletes in kickboxing history, are collaborating for a special seminar titled “The Frienemies Seminar” on May 16th in Solana Beach, California. This event is a unique opportunity to leverage their storied rivalry, which culminated in multiple championship bouts and significantly shaped the women’s divisions in GLORY. The seminar is designed to impart technical skills, mental fortitude, and high-level insights gained from years of competing against each other at the pinnacle of the sport.
Tiffany Van Soest and Anissa Meksen Seminar
Both Van Soest and Meksen have built impressive careers that solidify their status among the greatest female kickboxers. Van Soest made history by becoming GLORY’s inaugural women’s super bantamweight champion in 2016, later reclaiming the title for a second reign with a total of five title defenses. Her achievements also include holding Lion Fight titles, establishing her as a prominent American figure in elite women’s striking.
Meksen’s accomplishments are equally remarkable. She secured the GLORY title from Van Soest in 2017, successfully defended it, and regained it after a subsequent setback, even defeating Van Soest in a rematch. Her extensive record across kickboxing and Muay Thai consistently places her among the sport’s most distinguished champions.
Their fierce rivalry is a key element that makes this seminar particularly noteworthy. Meksen defeated Van Soest by unanimous decision at GLORY 48 in New York in 2017 to claim the women’s super bantamweight title. They faced off again in March 2019 at GLORY 64 in Strasbourg, where Meksen retained her belt via a split decision in another closely contested bout. Van Soest eventually secured a victory later that year at GLORY 71 in Chicago, winning by decision in a fight that continued to be a topic of discussion long after its conclusion.
The seminar is being promoted as more than just a typical training session. Van Soest and Meksen will integrate their distinct styles and extensive experience into a program focused on training, performance, and invaluable lessons learned throughout their careers. Following the seminar, they will host a viewing party for the highly anticipated Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight, complete with refreshments. This addition further highlights the day’s focus on women in combat sports, as Rousey and Carano are set to compete on May 16th at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, on a Most Valuable Promotions card, which Netflix has billed as its inaugural live MMA event.
This event is hosted by two athletes who pushed each other to their limits in championship fights, exchanged victories over multiple encounters, and achieved championship résumés worthy of “all-time great” status. On May 16th, their enduring rivalry enters a new and collaborative chapter.
