The world of combat sports is abuzz with Rico Verhoeven's recent revelations about his free agency journey, and the offers he received from the UFC. A true heavyweight decision, with implications for the entire martial arts landscape.
Verhoeven, a legend in kickboxing, has chosen to pursue a boxing career, opting for a title fight against Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion. But here's where it gets controversial: the UFC, known for its aggressive recruitment, made a play for Verhoeven too.
So, what was the UFC's offer like? Well, it seems it was a decent one, but not quite on par with the boxing world's potential. Verhoeven explained that while the UFC offer was respectable, it didn't match the stature and financial rewards of a crossover fight with Anthony Joshua, a true boxing superstar.
"It was a good offer, no doubt. But when you compare it to a fight against Anthony Joshua, it's a different ball game entirely. Derrick Lewis is an exceptional UFC fighter, but he doesn't carry the same weight as Joshua. I felt the UFC offer was more of a stepping stone, a 'coming-in' fight, but I wanted more. So, I chose the Joshua fight." Verhoeven said.
Verhoeven didn't disclose the exact UFC offer, but he did say it was comparable to his earnings in GLORY kickboxing, where he made a name for himself. He emphasized that the UFC treated him with respect and made a fair offer, especially considering what they offer other fighters. However, within the broader martial arts landscape and his own kickboxing success, the UFC offer didn't seem like the best fit.
At 36 years old, Verhoeven is making a bold move back into boxing with a 1-0 professional record. He will face Usyk, the undefeated heavyweight champion, on May 23rd at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. Many consider Verhoeven to be the greatest heavyweight kickboxer of modern times, with a kickboxing record of 66-10.
And this is the part most people miss: Verhoeven's decision isn't just about money or fame. It's about finding the right fit for his skills and legacy. So, what do you think? Was Verhoeven right to choose boxing over the UFC? Or did he miss out on a great opportunity? Let's discuss in the comments!
