After more than a decade as the undisputed face of kickboxing, Rico Verhoeven has officially vacated his GLORY Heavyweight World Title — bringing an end to one of the sport’s most dominant and influential championship reigns.
The Dutch icon announced his decision in an emotional statement shared on his social media pages, writing: “After more than twelve years, fifteen world title victories, and countless unforgettable nights, I’ve decided to vacate my GLORY Heavyweight World Title.
“I joined GLORY in 2012, and from that moment on, I gave everything to this sport and to the organisation. Together, we built something truly special sold out arenas, broke records, gave fans incredible fights and moments that helped shape the history of kickboxing.
“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.
A special thank you to Pierre Andurand for his vision and the immense investment he’s made in kickboxing over the years. Without that commitment, none of this would have been possible.
To all the fans who’ve been part of this incredible journey…. Thank you for the memories, the energy, and the respect.
It’s not a goodbye, it’s an ‘until we meet again.’ OSU”
The End of an Era
Verhoeven’s announcement closes the book on a championship reign that began all the way back in 2013. Over twelve years, he notched thirteen successful title defences and fifteen world title victories, cementing his place as arguably the greatest heavyweight kickboxer of his generation.
Joining GLORY in 2012, Verhoeven quickly became the promotion’s cornerstone. His clean technique, tactical precision, and conditioning set him apart from the chaos often seen in the heavyweight division. From early rivalries with Badr Hari and Jamal Ben Saddik to recent battles against Levi Rigters and Artem Vakhitov, Verhoeven not only defended his belt — he defined an era.
After the golden K-1 years faded, it was Verhoeven who carried the torch. Under GLORY’s banner, he sold out arenas, shattered attendance records, and became the face of a resurgent sport. His impact extended far beyond the ring — appearing on mainstream Dutch television, brand campaigns, and movie screens.
He even crossed over into Hollywood, starring in Black Lotus, appearing in Den of Thieves 2, and landing a role in the upcoming Road House 2 alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Meanwhile, in the gym, he’s been one of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s key sparring partners, further blurring the lines between kickboxing and MMA.
What Comes Next?
While Verhoeven has made no mention of retirement, his statement hints that this isn’t the end of his fighting career. “It’s not a goodbye, it’s an ‘until we meet again,’” he wrote — a line that will surely keep fans guessing.
His exit leaves GLORY’s heavyweight division wide open for the first time in more than a decade. With the “Last Heavyweight Standing” tournament set to reshape the landscape heading into 2026, a new generation now has the chance to emerge from Verhoeven’s long shadow.
Speculation will inevitably swirl about what’s next. A one-off superfight — perhaps against a boxing name like Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou, or Anthony Joshua — would not be out of the question, especially for a figure who has transcended kickboxing’s traditional limits.
Of course, it’s no secret that we can expect to see Verhoeven appearing on our screens as he continues to add to his acting résumé.
For now, Verhoeven walks away as one of the sport’s most complete champions — a fighter who elevated kickboxing into the modern era while commanding respect inside and outside the ring.
From the GLORY banner to Hollywood sets, Rico Verhoeven has done it all. Whether this marks the end of his competitive chapter or the beginning of something new, the “King of Kickboxing” leaves behind a legacy few can match.
Featured image credit: Instagram/RicoVerhoeven/GLORYKickboxing
