GLORY can officially announce that the ‘King of Kickboxing’ Rico Verhoeven (60-10, 20 KO) has signed a brand-new three-year contract that will not only see him compete in the ring for multiple more fights but also be more involved with the brand outside of the ring.
In addition, Rico Verhoeven confirms that he will also enter the eight-man one-night GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix which will take place Saturday, March 9, at the GelreDome in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
The heavyweight champion joins a field which includes the previously qualified Tariq Osaro (25-3-1, 13 KO), Levi Rigters (15-1, 7 KO), Uku Jürjendal (20-8, 16 KO), Bahram Rajabzadeh (65-1, 58 KO), and Sofian Laïdouni (35-2-1, 17 KO), and Antonio Plazibat (22-6, 16 KO), who yesterday was confirmed as a wildcard entrant.
"As someone who's been part of the GLORY family since 2012, I can honestly say that I've never felt more motivated and excited," Rico Verhoeven stated. "What truly inspires and drives me is the combination of facing challenges in the ring and my role in growing the brand and combat sports in general outside of it. GLORY's new direction for 2024 is a real game-changer. If you're a fan of combat sports, GLORY is the place to be for non-stop action and entertainment. I put my money where my mouth is by going up against seven other top heavyweights to claim victory in the Heavyweight Grand Prix on March 9!”
“Rico has dominated the heavyweight division in kickboxing for the last 10 years, a feat that no other fighter managed to achieve in other combat sports,” said Pierre Andurand, GLORY co-founder and Chairman. “He is a great champion inside and outside the ring, and I am glad that he decided to fight in GLORY for at least the next three years. Going back to the eight-man tournament format and having Rico competing in the Grand Prix on March 8 is very exciting. Tournaments are more unpredictable and are a test of the fighting spirit. They guarantee more action, more emotions, and more drama. New stars will arise. I hope the fans are as excited as me about what is to come in 2024 and beyond in the sport of kickboxing.”
“Next year will be an historic year for GLORY and with our new strategy in place, Rico will be an important driver for our future success,” said Maurice Hols, GLORY Executive Director. “I am thrilled to see him enter the GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix and extend his contract for multiple more years. Having his involvement with the GLORY brand outside of the ring will also play an important role in what will be a massive period of growth & evolution of the GLORY product for fans.”
This news follows the massive structure change to the GLORY 2024 calendar which will see thrilling Grand Prix events across the heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, and lightweight divisions, superfights, bigger & more international events, and an elevated fan & viewer experience.
The GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix will take place March 9 live from the GelreDome in Arnhem, the Netherlands. For tickets, fans can join the presale registration here. Stay tuned to GLORYKickboxing.com for more information on upcoming GLORY events.