Rico Verhoeven, the longstanding king of Glory heavyweight kickboxing, has reportedly turned down a massive payday to test himself in the boxing ring. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Verhoeven walked away from an MMA showdown with Francis Ngannou that would have netted him a larger purse than his upcoming heavyweight venture against Oleksandr Usyk.
Sacrificing Revenue for Heavyweight Legacy
In a world where “crossover” bouts are usually dictated by the highest bidder, Verhoeven appears to be an outlier. The Dutchman has spent over a decade dominating the kickboxing circuit, but his aspirations have shifted toward the heavy hitters of the boxing world. According to industry insiders, the proposed MMA bout with Ngannou—a fight that would have combined two of the most physically imposing strikers in combat sports—offered financial incentives far beyond the current terms for a clash with Usyk.
But the move isn’t about the bank account. Verhoeven is chasing a specific type of validation that only the boxing ring provides. While a fight against Ngannou would be a massive spectacle, it would ultimately be viewed as a “freak show” or a promotional one-off. A sanctioned professional boxing match against a technician like Usyk, however, puts Verhoeven’s fundamental skills under a different microscope.
The Risk of the Ring vs. the Safety of the Cage
Choosing Usyk over Ngannou is a calculated risk. Against Ngannou in an MMA set-up, Verhoeven would have faced the wrestling and grappling deficiencies that haunt most pure strikers. Yet, the financial “floor” for that fight was significantly higher due to the PFL’s aggressive recruitment of top-tier talent and the global curiosity surrounding Ngannou’s post-UFC career.
By shifting focus to boxing, Verhoeven enters a space where Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk have recently solidified their standing as the division’s tactical masters. Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, represents the steepest learning curve in the sport. For Verhoeven to reject “easier” MMA money to face the most elusive mover in boxing history suggests a pivot toward legacy over liquid assets.
How Zuffa Boxing and the New Market Play a Role
The timing of this decision coincides with a period of intense flux in the boxing industry. With Dana White confirming Zuffa Boxing launch plans, the barrier between different disciplines is thinner than ever. Promoters are looking for athletes who command established European fanbases, and Verhoeven fits that profile perfectly.
The “Ngannou money” Verhoeven left on the table was likely tied to a multi-fight commitment in a cage—something that would have effectively ended his prime kickboxing years and delayed any boxing aspirations until it was too late. By choosing boxing now, Verhoeven remains a free agent of sorts, able to return to Glory or pursue further high-profile boxing matches depending on how he fares against the elite.
What This Means for the Heavyweight Landscape
If Verhoeven performs well, even in a losing effort against a master like Usyk, his value as a “crossover” star increases. The boxing world has seen how Francis Ngannou’s stock rose after pushing Tyson Fury to the limit, despite eventually losing. Verhoeven is betting that a competitive showing in the ring is worth more in the long run than a lucrative but potentially messy MMA debut.
The fight with Usyk is expected to draw massive attention in the Netherlands and across Europe, and while the exact dates remain fluid, the commitment to the squared circle is now firm. For a man who has won everything there is to win in kickboxing, the challenge of the 12-round format seems to be the only thing left that truly motivates him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rico Verhoeven choose boxing over a higher-paying MMA fight?
Verhoeven is reportedly prioritizing his legacy and the challenge of testing his striking against the world’s best boxers. While the MMA offer to fight Francis Ngannou was financially superior, it didn’t align with Verhoeven’s current goal of proving himself in a traditional boxing environment.
Is the fight between Verhoeven and Usyk officially confirmed?
The two sides have reached a verbal agreement, and negotiations are in the final stages. While the “money fight” with Ngannou was a serious alternative, all signs now point to a boxing debut for the kickboxing champion later this year.
Could Verhoeven still move to MMA in the future?
It’s unlikely in the short term. By rejecting the Ngannou deal, Verhoeven has signaled that his immediate post-kickboxing career belongs to boxing. If he were to move to MMA later, he would likely be past his physical peak for a transition that requires heavy grappling training.
