Ali Akbar RosadyUFC heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis has disclosed that former Glory Kickboxing Heavyweight Champion Rico Verhoeven was offered a fight against him for UFC 324 but ultimately turned down the opportunity. The revelation came from Lewis himself during a recent appearance on "The Beast and the Cowboy" podcast, shedding light on the intricate matchmaking process within the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the potential crossover that nearly materialized.
Lewis, known affectionately as "The Black Beast" to his legions of fans, explained his persistent efforts to secure a fight since the summer of the previous year. Following a swift victory that concluded in under a minute, Lewis anticipated a quick return to the octagon. "Shit, I’ve been trying to get a fight damn near every month since July," Lewis stated, recounting the period after his 33-second knockout win over Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC 291 in July 2023. He detailed how UFC matchmakers had encouraged him to wait for a significant matchup. "They talking about, ‘We’ve got something big for you. Don’t worry, just sit and wait.’ I’ve been waiting, and nothing happened! They’re talking about, ‘It’s going to be something big. You’re going to like it.’ They’re talking about some ‘Paramount, in January.’ I’m like, man!" Lewis expressed, conveying his frustration with the delays.
The "Paramount, in January" reference likely pertained to an unfulfilled scheduling proposal, as Lewis’s next confirmed bout is now set for UFC 324. It was during these earlier negotiations that a marquee name from the world of kickboxing emerged as a potential opponent. Lewis elaborated, "Then they were talking about against who. First, it was supposed to be some dude from GLORY Kickboxing, the champion. What’s the dude’s name? I’m terrible with names. [Rico] Verhoeven. It was supposed to be against him, then he turned the fight down." This assertion by Lewis suggests that the UFC was actively exploring a high-profile crossover fight involving one of the most decorated kickboxers of his generation.
Rico Verhoeven, 36, is widely regarded as "The King of Kickboxing" and stands as arguably the greatest heavyweight in the history of Glory Kickboxing. With an impressive professional kickboxing record of 61 wins and 10 losses, Verhoeven held the Glory Heavyweight Championship for an unprecedented duration, successfully defending his title 13 times against a roster of elite competitors. His reign established him as a dominant force in stand-up combat, known for his technical precision, powerful strikes, and exceptional ring IQ. In November of the previous year, Verhoeven announced his decision to vacate his Glory title after not renewing his contract with the promotion, fueling widespread speculation about his next career move. Rumors have since circulated regarding potential high-profile boxing matches or a transition to mixed martial arts, though none have materialized to date.
Related News :
- UFC Vegas 110 Aftermath: Garcia’s Ascent, Cortes-Acosta’s Controversial Triumph, and the Road Ahead for Key Contenders
- ‘Guilty by association’: Steve Garcia laments how fight-fixing allegations hurt everybody after he beat Isaac Dulgarian’s teammate
- Flagg’s Career-High 29 Points Power Mavericks to Comeback Victory Over Queen’s Pelicans.
- Andrei Arlovski Ventures into Influencer Boxing with Misfits Debut, Expresses Strong Interest in Jake Paul Bout.
- Tsarukyan Expresses Disappointment Over Lightweight Title Snub, Eyes Holloway for BMF Belt Amidst UFC’s Strategic Shifts
A potential UFC debut for Verhoeven against a prominent figure like Derrick Lewis would have represented a significant moment for the sport, testing the traditional boundaries between kickboxing and mixed martial arts. While Verhoeven’s striking prowess is undeniable, the transition to MMA requires adapting to a comprehensive rule set that includes grappling, wrestling, and submission techniques. Many accomplished strikers have found challenges in this transition, making a direct leap into the UFC’s deep heavyweight division against a veteran like Lewis a formidable undertaking. The reasons for Verhoeven’s alleged rejection of the fight offer remain undisclosed by his camp, but such decisions often involve complex negotiations concerning financial terms, fight preparation timelines, and long-term career strategy.
For Derrick Lewis, who boasts a professional MMA record of 28 wins, 12 losses, and 1 No Contest, the focus has consistently been on maintaining an active fight schedule. Lewis holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history, with 16 to his name, cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous power-punchers in the heavyweight division. His fan-favorite status is largely attributed to his exciting, high-stakes fighting style and his ability to deliver spectacular finishes, often in come-from-behind fashion. Lewis’s desire to fight frequently underscores his commitment to staying competitive in a division renowned for its unpredictability.
After the proposed Verhoeven bout failed to materialize, Lewis’s team reportedly shifted their focus to another high-profile opponent: Sergei Pavlovich. Lewis expressed his interest in a rematch with Pavlovich, who had previously defeated him via TKO at UFC 277 in July 2022. Pavlovich, with a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 2 losses, has established himself as one of the most formidable strikers and top contenders in the heavyweight division, known for his aggressive style and devastating knockout power. However, Lewis confirmed that Pavlovich also declined the rematch offer. "Then we were trying to get the Russian dude back, Sergei [Pavlovich]… But he said no," Lewis recounted.
Ultimately, the search for Lewis’s next opponent led to Waldo Cortes-Acosta. "Then the Dominican dude, he accepted the fight, so I said let’s get it," Lewis confirmed. Cortes-Acosta, who carries the moniker "Salsa Boy," has an impressive professional MMA record of 11 wins and 1 loss. He has quickly ascended the heavyweight ranks within the UFC, showcasing a dynamic striking game and a growing reputation as a formidable contender. A victory over a seasoned veteran and perennial top-10 fighter like Derrick Lewis would undoubtedly represent a significant milestone in Cortes-Acosta’s career.
Derrick Lewis is now scheduled to make his 31st walk to the UFC octagon when he faces Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324. The event is slated to take place on August 17, 2024, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. This marks Lewis’s first fight of 2024 and an opportunity to extend his current winning streak. Lewis enters this bout on the back of two consecutive victories, having knocked out Tallison Teixeira at UFC Fight Night 231 in November 2023 and Rodrigo Nascimento at UFC on ESPN 56 in May 2024. These recent performances have reaffirmed his knockout prowess and his enduring threat within the heavyweight division.
The UFC heavyweight landscape remains one of the most captivating divisions in mixed martial arts, with a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for contention. Lewis’s willingness to face a variety of opponents, from highly touted kickboxing champions to dangerous contenders, underscores his consistent readiness for competition. While the anticipated crossover fight with Rico Verhoeven did not come to fruition, Lewis’s upcoming bout against Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324 promises another explosive encounter, adding to his record-setting knockout tally and further cementing his legacy in the sport.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMADecember 24, 2025Allen Secures Landmark Victory Over De Ridder at UFC Fight Night, Reshaping Middleweight Title Landscape
MMADecember 24, 2025Derrick Lewis Reveals Rico Verhoeven Declined UFC Debut Bout at UFC 324
MMADecember 24, 2025Alex Pereira Calls for Jon Jones Superfight Following Aspinall’s Injury at UFC 321; Jones Endorses White House Showdown.- MMADecember 24, 2025UFC Welterweight Rinat Fakhretdinov, Alongside Loik Radzhabov and Elizeu Zaleski, Departs Promotion Following Contract Expiration
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo