Rico Verhoeven Closes Chapter on Historic 12-Year GLORY Heavyweight Championship Reign, Future Undetermined.

Rico Verhoeven, widely regarded as the "King of Kickboxing," has officially vacated the GLORY heavyweight title, bringing an end to an unprecedented 12-year reign that began in 2013. The decision marks the conclusion of one of the most dominant periods in combat sports history, during which Verhoeven successfully defended his championship an impressive 13 times. The announcement, made by Verhoeven via his Instagram account, notably stopped short of declaring retirement, leaving the door open for future endeavors within or outside the sport.

In his public statement, Verhoeven reflected on his tenure with the organization: “After more than 12 years, 15 world title victories, and countless unforgettable nights, I’ve decided to vacate my GLORY Heavyweight World Title,” Verhoeven wrote. “I joined GLORY in 2012, and from that moment on, I gave everything to this sport and to the organization. Together, we built something truly special — sold out arenas, broke records, gave fans incredible fights and moments that helped shape the history of kickboxing.” He also extended gratitude to the unseen efforts behind the scenes: “I want to give a special acknowledgment to the dedicated people within GLORY who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring such a strong product to the world. Most of them remain unseen, but their passion is what keeps this sport alive and growing. I see you, and I’ve told many of you personally how much I value the way you carry kickboxing forward with heart, respect, and purpose.”

Verhoeven’s journey to the pinnacle of GLORY began long before his championship capture. Born in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands, in 1989, Verhoeven started training in kickboxing at the age of five under the guidance of his father, a former martial artist. He made his professional debut in 2004, quickly rising through the ranks in various organizations before finding his long-term home in GLORY. He joined the promotion in 2012, at a pivotal time when the sport was seeking a new face following the decline of K-1, which had previously dominated the kickboxing landscape with legendary heavyweights like Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, Remy Bonjasky, and Semmy Schilt.

His path to the GLORY heavyweight crown culminated at GLORY 11 Chicago on October 12, 2013. Verhoeven entered a one-night tournament featuring some of the sport’s top heavyweights. He defeated Errol Zimmerman by unanimous decision in the semi-finals and then faced Daniel Ghita in the final. Verhoeven dominated Ghita, securing a unanimous decision victory to claim the vacant GLORY Heavyweight Championship, a title he would hold uninterrupted for over a decade.

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The ensuing 12 years solidified Verhoeven’s status as the undisputed king of the heavyweight division. His reign was characterized by a rare blend of technical precision, strategic prowess, and unwavering durability. He faced and defeated a "who’s who" of contemporary kickboxing heavyweights, each defense adding another layer to his legendary status. Among his 13 successful title defenses, several stand out for their significance and the quality of opposition.

One of the most high-profile rivalries of his career was against Badr Hari, a matchup that transcended the sport and garnered significant mainstream attention. Their first encounter at GLORY Collision in December 2016 ended prematurely when Hari suffered an arm injury in the second round, leading to a TKO victory for Verhoeven. The highly anticipated rematch at GLORY Collision 2 in December 2019 drew an unprecedented crowd of over 30,000 spectators to the GelreDome in Arnhem, Netherlands, and shattered pay-per-view records. This bout also ended due to injury, with Hari suffering a leg injury in the third round after a promising start, once again resulting in a Verhoeven TKO win. These fights, while not always delivering a decisive, sustained war, underscored Verhoeven’s ability to withstand pressure and capitalize on opportunities against a dangerous, iconic opponent.

Other notable defenses included victories over Jamal Ben Saddik, a powerful rival he faced multiple times. Their first championship encounter at GLORY 36 in December 2016 saw Verhoeven overcome a challenging start to secure a TKO victory in the fifth round. He also defeated seasoned veterans such as Peter Aerts at GLORY 13 Tokyo in December 2013, early in his reign, and Benjamin Adegbuyi twice, first at GLORY 26 Amsterdam in December 2015 and again at GLORY 77 in January 2021. His impressive list of challengers also includes former UFC heavyweight Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva, whom he defeated by TKO at GLORY 46 China in October 2017, showcasing his dominance even against crossover opponents.

Verhoeven’s fighting style, often described as patient and technical, relies on exceptional conditioning, precise striking, and intelligent ring generalship. He rarely rushed into exchanges, preferring to break down opponents systematically with low kicks, body shots, and a strong jab, often finishing with powerful combinations. His ability to maintain a high pace over five rounds was a hallmark of his championship defenses, often wearing down aggressive challengers. His professional kickboxing record stands at an impressive 61 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no-contest, with 20 victories coming by knockout.

Beyond his individual achievements, Verhoeven played a crucial role in reigniting the heavyweight division in kickboxing, filling the void left by the K-1 era. His consistent presence at the top, coupled with his articulate public persona, made him the face of GLORY and, to a large extent, modern kickboxing. He helped elevate the sport’s profile, attracting new fans and demonstrating the athletic and strategic depth of stand-up combat. The sold-out arenas and record-breaking viewership mentioned in his statement are testament to his immense drawing power and the organization’s successful partnership with him.

In his final defense as champion, Verhoeven delivered a masterful performance against Artem Vakhitov at GLORY Collision 4 in October 2022. Vakhitov, a former GLORY Light Heavyweight Champion, had made the move up to heavyweight after reportedly turning down a UFC contract following an appearance on The Contender Series. Verhoeven put on a clinic, utilizing his size and superior technique to defeat the skilled Vakhitov by unanimous decision, proving once again his adaptability and sustained dominance against a top-tier opponent from a lighter division.

Verhoeven’s decision to vacate the title, rather than retiring, suggests a strategic move to explore other opportunities while maintaining his fighting readiness. This approach aligns with his recent activities outside the kickboxing ring. He has notably engaged in cross-training with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, serving as a main sparring partner for the British MMA star. This mutual high-level training benefits both athletes, allowing Verhoeven to sharpen his striking against an elite grappler and Aspinall to hone his stand-up against one of the world’s best kickboxers.

Furthermore, Verhoeven has steadily been building a career in acting, following a growing trend among combat sports athletes. He took on a starring role in the film "Black Lotus" and has made appearances in movies such as "Den of Thieves 2." Most recently, he secured a part in "Road House 2," starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, indicating a serious commitment to his burgeoning film career. These ventures offer alternative avenues for his competitive drive and public profile.

The relinquishment of the GLORY heavyweight title opens a new chapter for the organization’s premier division. With Verhoeven’s departure, the championship becomes immediately vacant, setting the stage for a new era and potentially a tournament or a high-stakes contender bout to determine the next champion. Top contenders such as Antonio Plazibat, Levi Rigters, and Tariq Osaro, who have been making waves in the division, will undoubtedly vie for the coveted belt. This change presents an opportunity for new rivalries to emerge and for a new generation of heavyweights to define the future of GLORY.

Rico Verhoeven’s legacy as a fighter is firmly cemented. His 12-year reign, marked by unparalleled dominance, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and a significant contribution to the sport’s global appeal, places him among the greatest kickboxers of all time. While the specific trajectory of his future remains to be seen, his decision to vacate the title without declaring retirement ensures that the combat sports world will continue to watch with keen interest for his next move.