Rico Verhoeven, the reigning heavyweight kickboxing champion, is set to defend his world title on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the highly anticipated Glory 100 event. Kickboxing fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the announcement of his opponent, which is expected next week, along with the location of the title fight.
At 35 years old, Verhoeven has established himself as a dominant force in the sport, successfully defending his title an impressive twelve times at Glory. His last match took place in December 2024, where he faced fellow Dutch fighter Levi Rigters, securing his victory and continuing his remarkable eleven-year title streak.
Reflecting on his competition, Verhoeven expressed confidence about facing his next opponent, stating, "Deze tegenstander is voor mij alsof ik in de spiegel kijk. Hij heeft dezelfde wapens als ik," which translates to, "This opponent is for me like looking in a mirror. He has the same weapons as I do." This remark indicates the level of challenge and respect he has for the yet-to-be-named challenger.
Despite the mystery surrounding his opponent, one thing is clear: Verhoeven views this upcoming fight as significant. The event will be streamed on the popular sports platform DAZN, ensuring that fans can follow the action live.
Verhoeven's champion status has been further solidified through his dedication and skill in the ring. Since claiming the world title in 2013, he has shown dominance over his competitors. His last defeat dates back to January 2015 against Andrej Gerasimtsjoek, a match that did not involve the Glory world title. Since then, Verhoeven has not tasted defeat, continually honing his skills and enhancing his fighting ability.
As part of Glory 100, the audience can look forward to more than just Verhoeven's title defense. The event will also feature the second round of the exciting new tournament called "Last Heavyweight Standing," where sixteen fighters will compete in pools of four for a chance to vie for the championship. This adds an extra layer of competitiveness to the night, as the eventual winner will earn the right to challenge Verhoeven for the title, provided he successfully defends it.
Verhoeven previously confirmed that he will not compete against several known fighters in the tournament, including Jamal Ben Saddik, Levi Rigters, Nordine Mahieddine, and Antonio Plazibat, which alleviates speculation around potential matchups. However, the tournament will showcase many rising stars and seasoned fighters, enhancing the intrigue as fans speculate on who might emerge as Verhoeven's next challenger.
Looking ahead, Verhoeven has expressed interest in pursuing a crossover fight later this year, highlighting the current trend of kickboxers engaging in competitions with fighters from other disciplines, such as boxing or mixed martial arts (MMA). His ambitions reflect an evolving landscape in combat sports, where versatility and adaptability are increasingly essential for athletes.
As the June 14 date draws near, excitement will undoubtedly build around not only Verhoeven's title defense but also the entire Glory 100 event. Fans and analysts will be keenly observing the developments as the fight card begins to take shape. Verhoeven, loved for his skill and respected for his dedication, remains a prominent figure in kickboxing, and his performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
With the announcement of his opponent and the venue to follow, the coming weeks are crucial for both Verhoeven and the fans eager to catch a glimpse of the action. Will he continue his undefeated streak? Can he fend off his challenger and solidify his legacy further? Glory 100 is shaping up to be a must-see event in the fight calendar, and anticipation is at an all-time high.
