The UFC was buzzing with excitement as fans and experts alike speculated on the possibility of kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven making his debut in the Octagon. It seemed like a dream come true for fight fans, a crossover that would bring a new level of excitement to the heavyweight division. However, as quickly as the rumors began, they were shut down by the man himself.
In a recent interview, Verhoeven revealed that he had indeed been approached by the UFC with a “decent offer” to fight fan favorite Derrick Lewis. The Dutch kickboxer, who has been reigning as the GLORY heavyweight champion for over six years, admitted that the offer was tempting, but ultimately he had to decline.
So why did Verhoeven turn down this opportunity of a lifetime? The answer is simple – loyalty. The 31-year-old fighter has been with GLORY since the beginning of his professional career and he feels a sense of duty towards the organization that has helped him achieve so much success. Verhoeven stated, “I have a contract with GLORY and I’m happy with them. I want to finish my career there.”
This decision by Verhoeven not only speaks volumes about his character but also highlights the strong bond he shares with GLORY. It is rare to see such loyalty in the world of combat sports where fighters often jump from one organization to another in search of bigger paychecks and better opportunities. Verhoeven’s commitment to GLORY is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, loyalty and integrity are more important than money and fame.
Apart from loyalty, Verhoeven also cited other reasons for declining the UFC’s offer. He stated that he did not want to risk losing his kickboxing title and tarnishing his legacy by taking on a new challenge in MMA. Verhoeven has worked hard to establish himself as one of the best kickboxers in the world and he does not want to jeopardize that by entering a new sport where he is not as experienced.
Moreover, Verhoeven also mentioned that the UFC’s offer did not meet his expectations. As one of the biggest names in kickboxing, Verhoeven rightfully expects a significant pay raise if he were to make the switch to MMA. However, the UFC’s offer did not match his worth and he was not willing to compromise on that.
Despite turning down the UFC’s offer, Verhoeven’s decision has garnered a lot of respect and admiration from the combat sports community. Many have praised him for staying true to his values and not being swayed by the glitz and glamour of the UFC. It takes a lot of courage to turn down such a huge opportunity, but Verhoeven has shown that he values his principles more than anything else.
While it would have been exciting to see Verhoeven make his debut in the UFC, his decision to decline the offer should not be seen as a missed opportunity. Instead, it should be seen as a testament to his dedication and loyalty towards GLORY. Verhoeven’s decision has also opened up a discussion about the relationship between kickboxing and MMA and how these two worlds can coexist and even collaborate in the future.
In conclusion, while the UFC’s attempt to bring in Rico Verhoeven may not have been successful, it has sparked a conversation about loyalty and integrity in combat sports. Verhoeven’s decision to decline the offer has only added to his legacy as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. As for the UFC, they will have to continue their search for the next crossover star, but for now, the “Prince of Kickboxing” will continue to reign supreme in GLORY.
