The world of combat sports was buzzing with excitement when news broke that long-reigning GLORY heavyweight champion, Rico Verhoeven, was considering a crossover to the UFC. Fans were eagerly anticipating the ‘Prince of Kickboxing’ making his debut in the Octagon against a fan-friendly opponent, bringing a new level of excitement to the heavyweight division. However, despite initial talks and rumors, Verhoeven has revealed that he ultimately declined the UFC’s “decent offer” to fight Derrick Lewis. Let’s take a closer look at why the kickboxing superstar made this decision.
Verhoeven’s potential move to the UFC was met with both excitement and skepticism. As the reigning GLORY heavyweight champion for over six years, Verhoeven has established himself as one of the most dominant kickboxers in the world. His impressive record of 56 wins, 10 losses, and 1 draw, along with his charismatic personality, have made him a fan favorite in the kickboxing community. So, it’s no surprise that the UFC saw him as a potential star to add to their roster.
The Dutch kickboxer’s decision to decline the UFC’s offer may come as a disappointment to some fans, but Verhoeven has his reasons. In an interview with Dutch media outlet, De Telegraaf, he explained that the UFC’s offer was “decent,” but it didn’t meet his expectations and goals. Verhoeven is known for his ambitious nature, and he made it clear that he didn’t want to make the move to the UFC just for the sake of it. He wanted to make sure it was the right move for his career and legacy.
One of the main reasons Verhoeven declined the offer was due to the financial aspect. The UFC’s offer didn’t match the amount he makes in kickboxing, which is understandable considering his status as the GLORY heavyweight champion. Verhoeven also mentioned that the UFC’s offer didn’t include a title shot, which was another factor in his decision. As a champion in his own right, Verhoeven didn’t want to enter the UFC without the opportunity to compete for a title.
Another crucial factor in Verhoeven’s decision was his loyalty to GLORY. He has been with the organization since 2012 and has been a vital part of its success. Verhoeven has a deep respect for GLORY and its president, Scott Rudmann, and he didn’t want to leave the organization on bad terms. He also mentioned that he has a few fights left on his GLORY contract and wants to fulfill them before making any major moves.
Verhoeven’s decision to decline the UFC’s offer may have disappointed some fans, but it’s a testament to his character and integrity. He didn’t want to make a hasty decision and potentially regret it later. Instead, he chose to stay loyal to his current organization and continue to dominate the kickboxing world. Verhoeven has also expressed interest in fighting in other combat sports, such as boxing and MMA, but only when the time is right.
Despite not making the move to the UFC, Verhoeven’s potential crossover created a lot of buzz and excitement in the combat sports world. It showed that the UFC is open to bringing in top talent from other organizations, and it also gave Verhoeven a chance to showcase his skills to a wider audience. While we may not see Verhoeven in the UFC anytime soon, it’s always a possibility in the future.
In conclusion, Rico Verhoeven’s decision to decline the UFC’s offer to fight Derrick Lewis was a well-thought-out one. He didn’t want to make a rash decision and potentially hurt his career and legacy. Verhoeven’s loyalty to GLORY, along with his ambitious nature, played a significant role in his decision. While it may have disappointed some fans, Verhoeven’s decision ultimately shows his dedication to his current organization and his desire to continue dominating the kickboxing world. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the ‘Prince of Kickboxing’ and his potential ventures into other combat sports.
