Career Timeline of Rico Verhoeven: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Rico Verhoeven built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rico Verhoeven is a highly accomplished Dutch kickboxer, with prior experience in boxing and mixed martial arts. He is best known as the former Heavyweight Champion in GLORY, where he holds the record for the most title defenses (13). A professional since 2004, Verhoeven has also competed in K-1, It's Showtime, and SUPERKOMBAT. Since September 2014, he has consistently been ranked as the world's number one heavyweight kickboxer by Combat Press.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Professional Debut

In 2004, Rico Verhoeven made his professional debut in kickboxing. He has since competed in K-1, It's Showtime and SUPERKOMBAT.

2011: First Fight Against Jamal Ben Saddik

In 2011, Jamal Ben Saddik defeated a young Rico Verhoeven in their first meeting.

December 2012: Glory Heavyweight Grand Slam

On December 31, 2012, Rico Verhoeven faced Sergei Kharitonov at the Glory 4: Tokyo - 2012 Heavyweight Grand Slam in Saitama, Japan. He advanced to the quarter-finals, where he lost to Semmy Schilt.

April 2013: Defeated Jhonata Diniz at Glory 7

On April 20, 2013, Rico Verhoeven defeated Jhonata Diniz via unanimous decision at Glory 7: Milan in Milan, Italy.

June 2013: Victory over Errol Zimmerman at Glory 9

On June 22, 2013, Rico Verhoeven rematched Errol Zimmerman at Glory 9: New York - 2013 95kg Slam in New York City. He won by unanimous decision despite a point deduction.

October 2013: Won Glory 11 Heavyweight Tournament

In October 2013, Rico Verhoeven won the Glory 11: Chicago - Heavyweight World Championship Tournament in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, defeating Gökhan Saki in the semi-finals and Daniel Ghiță in the final.

December 2013: Defeated Peter Aerts at Glory 13

On December 21, 2013, Rico Verhoeven defeated Peter Aerts by split decision in the main event of Glory 13: Tokyo - Welterweight World Championship Tournament in Tokyo, Japan.

April 2014: Professional Boxing Debut

On April 26, 2014, Rico Verhoeven made his professional boxing debut against János Finfera at Mix Fight Gala XV in Darmstadt, Germany, winning by second-round knockout.

June 21, 2014: Won Glory Heavyweight Championship

On June 21, 2014, Rico Verhoeven rematched and defeated Daniel Ghiță via unanimous decision for the vacant Glory Heavyweight Championship at Glory 17: Los Angeles in Inglewood, California.

September 2014: Ranked #1 Heavyweight Kickboxer

Since September 2014, Rico Verhoeven has been continually ranked as the number one heavyweight kickboxer in the world by Combat Press. These rankings were first established in September 2014.

October 2015: MMA Pro Debut

On October 19, 2015, Rico Verhoeven made his MMA pro debut at RXF 20: Verhoeven vs. Bogutzki in Sibiu, Romania, defeating Viktor Bogutzki by TKO in the 1st round.

2015: Defeated Adegbuyi & Changed Nickname

In 2015, after Adegbuyi earned another title shot by winning the Glory Heavyweight Contender Tournament, Rico Verhoeven defeated him by first-round KO at Glory 26: Amsterdam. Subsequently, Verhoeven changed his nickname from "Prince of Kickboxing" to "King of Kickboxing".

December 2016: Victory against Badr Hari at GLORY Collision

On December 10, 2016, Rico Verhoeven fought Badr Hari at GLORY Collision in Oberhausen, Germany. Hari started strong, but Verhoeven won by TKO after Hari suffered an arm injury. Rico Verhoeven scored his 50th victory of his kickboxing career.

December 2017: Defended Glory Heavyweight Title against Jamal Ben Saddik

On December 9, 2017, Rico Verhoeven defended his Glory heavyweight title against Jamal Ben Saddik. This fight was notable due to the size of the contestants.

October 2020: Trilogy Match with Jamal Ben Saddik Announced

In October 2020, Glory announced that Rico Verhoeven would have a trilogy match with Jamal Ben Saddik in early 2021.

January 2021: Won Glory 77 Heavyweight Tournament

In January 2021, at Glory 77, after Jamal Ben Saddik withdrew due to injury, Rico Verhoeven participated in a four-man heavyweight tournament. He defeated Hesdy Gerges in the semifinals and Tarik Khbabez in the final to win the tournament.

August 23, 2021: Alistair Overeem Fight Announced

On August 23, 2021, it was announced that Rico Verhoeven would defend his Glory Heavyweight Championship against Alistair Overeem at Glory: Collision 3.

October 23, 2021: Defeated Jamal Ben Saddik at Glory: Collision 3

On October 23, 2021, at Glory: Collision 3, Rico Verhoeven defeated Jamal Ben Saddik by TKO in the fourth round after Overeem withdrew due to injury and Ben Saddik stepped in as a replacement.

April 12, 2022: Fight at "HIT IT" Event Announced

On April 12, 2022, it was announced that Rico Verhoeven would fight at the inaugural "HIT IT" event.

October 29, 2022: Victory Over Hesdy Gerges at "HIT IT"

On October 29, 2022, Rico Verhoeven defeated Hesdy Gerges by a fifth-round technical knockout at the "HIT IT" event in Rotterdam Ahoy.

November 4, 2023: Defeats Antonio Plazibat

On November 4, 2023, Rico Verhoeven defeated Antonio Plazibat by unanimous decision at Glory: Collision 6, unifying the title.

March 9, 2024: Wins Glory Heavyweight Grand Prix

On March 9, 2024, Rico Verhoeven won the Glory Heavyweight Grand Prix by defeating Sofian Laidouni, Nabil Khachab and Levi Rigters, capturing the tournament title and the $500,000 prize.

September 2024: Title Defense Announced

In September 2024, it was reported that Rico Verhoeven would defend his Glory heavyweight title at Collision 7 on December 7, 2024.

November 8, 2024: Scheduled to Face Levi Rigters

On November 8, 2024, Rico Verhoeven was scheduled to face Levi Rigters.

December 7, 2024: Defeated Levi Rigters

On December 7, 2024, Rico Verhoeven defeated Levi Rigters by unanimous decision at Collision 7, held at GelreDome in Arnhem, Netherlands, to defend his Glory Heavyweight Title.