Rico Verhoeven

Ricardo “Rico” Verhoeven was born on April 10, 1989, in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands. His martial arts journey began at the age of five with Kyokushin karate, under the guidance of his father, a karate black belt. This early immersion established a foundation for his combat sports career. As he progressed, he transitioned into kickboxing, demonstrating a natural aptitude for the sport. By the age of 16, his considerable size and talent led him to compete against adult opponents due to the lack of age-appropriate challengers.

Verhoeven’s professional career officially started in 2004, and he has competed in prominent kickboxing promotions such as K-1, It’s Showtime, and SUPERKOMBAT before joining GLORY. In 2012, he debuted with GLORY, marking a significant step in his career. His analytical approach to fighting, characterized by technical precision and a wide array of attacks, has been a hallmark of his style. His defensive capabilities are also highly regarded, further solidified by his collaboration with individuals like Tyson Fury, who he credits with enhancing his jab. Verhoeven has consistently been ranked as the number one heavyweight kickboxer globally by Combat Press since September 2014, a testament to his sustained dominance.

Over his career, Verhoeven has amassed a significant record, including 66 wins and 10 losses, with 21 victories coming by knockout. He captured the GLORY Heavyweight Championship and has successfully defended it numerous times, holding the title for over a decade. His tenure as champion includes significant tournament wins, such as the 2013 GLORY 11 Chicago Heavyweight World Championship Tournament and the 2024 GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix. Beyond kickboxing, Verhoeven has also ventured into professional boxing and mixed martial arts, reflecting his versatility as a combat athlete. His influence extends beyond the ring, with ventures into entrepreneurship, film, and a strong online presence.