Rico Verhoeven lately 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 every thing to this sport and to the organisation. Collectively, we constructed one thing actually particular offered out arenas, broke data, gave followers unbelievable 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 powerful 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 advised lots of you personally how a lot I worth the best way you carry kickboxing ahead with coronary heart, respect, and function.
“A particular thanks to Pierre Andurand for his imaginative and prescient and the immense funding he’s made in kickboxing through the years. With out that dedication, none of this might have been attainable.
“To all of the followers who’ve been a part of this unbelievable 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 couple of potential bounce from kickboxing to blended martial arts.
“He has not but determined what his subsequent transfer can be after vacating the GLORY heavyweight title, I’m advised,” Helwani wrote.
Thought of by many to be one of many biggest kickboxers of all time, Verhoeven holds a powerful 60-10 file, with 20 profession KOs and 13 profitable title defenses. He most recently defended his belt at GLORY 100 in June, dominating Artem Vakhitov and incomes a unanimous determination victory.
