Rico Verhoeven not too long ago opened up about vacating the GLORY Kickboxing heavyweight belt he’s held for over a decade.
After greater than 4,100 days as champion, Verhoeven introduced on Instagram that he had relinquished the title he gained all the best way again in 2013.
“After greater than twelve years, fifteen world title victories, and numerous unforgettable nights, I’ve determined to vacate my GLORY Heavyweight World Title,” Verhoeven wrote.
“I joined GLORY in 2012, and from that second on, I gave all the things to this sport and to the organisation. Collectively, we constructed one thing actually particular offered out arenas, broke information, gave followers unimaginable fights and moments that helped form the historical past of kickboxing.
“I wish to give a particular acknowledgment to the devoted folks inside GLORY who work tirelessly behind the scenes to carry such a robust product to the world. Most of them stay unseen, however their ardour is what retains this sport alive and rising. I see you, and I’ve instructed lots of you personally how a lot I worth the best way you carry kickboxing ahead with coronary heart, respect, and objective.
“A particular thanks to Pierre Andurand for his imaginative and prescient and the immense funding he’s made in kickboxing over time. With out that dedication, none of this may have been potential.
“To all of the followers who’ve been a part of this unimaginable journey…. Thanks for the recollections, the power, and the respect.”
Verhoeven, 36, didn’t make clear what his subsequent transfer is, signing off with a cryptic, “It’s not a goodbye, it’s an ‘till we meet once more.’”
Rico Verhoeven might be MMA sure after GLORY Exit
Whereas GLORY’s all-time chief in each wins and title defenses didn’t provide any perception into what comes subsequent, famend MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that Verhoeven has already engaged in discussions with the UFC a few potential bounce from kickboxing to blended martial arts.
“He has not but determined what his subsequent transfer shall be after vacating the GLORY heavyweight title, I’m instructed,” Helwani wrote.
Thought of by many to be one of many biggest kickboxers of all time, Verhoeven holds a formidable 60-10 document, with 20 profession KOs and 13 profitable title defenses. He most not too long ago defended his belt at GLORY 100 in June, dominating Artem Vakhitov and incomes a unanimous resolution victory.
