On June 14, 2025, Rico Verhoeven, known as the King of Kickboxing, will defend his world heavyweight title for the thirteenth time during Glory 100. With anticipation building for the event, fans eagerly await the reveal of his opponent, Artem Vakhitov, the returning former champion from Russia. This matchup, confirmed by international sources amidst negotiations, adds an exciting twist to this milestone event for Glory. The Dutch fans have witnessed Verhoeven's remarkable journey, and the upcoming fight marks a significant moment not only in his career but also for the Glory promotion.
For the first time in history, Glory's fights will be exclusively broadcast through the British streaming platform DAZN, marking a major shift in how fans access kickboxing events. Until now, viewers in the Netherlands enjoyed Glory fights via Videoland, but the organization now aims to reach a broader audience beyond Central Europe. DAZN is known for its extensive offerings in combat sports. This strategic move is expected to enhance Glory’s global presence.
DAZN offers subscriptions at €14.99 per month, or viewers can choose a pay-per-view option to watch specific events. The season kickoff for Glory on this platform starts with Glory 99 on April 5, 2025, paving the way for Verhoeven's title defense two months later.
Marshall Zelaznik, the CEO of Glory, hinted at surprises surrounding the event and emphasized the effort to cater to fans worldwide. Notably, he stated, “The fans will be amazed; we’ve looked for something unique.” This teaser about the match on June 14 raises questions about the significance of Verhoeven’s career and how this transition to DAZN will impact fans and fighters alike.
In addition to Vakhitov’s return to the ring, fans are excited about the implications for Verhoeven’s legacy. Having dominated the heavyweight division, Verhoeven faces his toughest challenge yet with persevering opponents like Tarik Khbabez, who has expressed a desire for a championship bout, and Antonio Plazibat, who has been recovering from injury. As Verhoeven prepares, the speculation among fans about Vakhitov's strategies and the evolving dynamics within the heavyweight division will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
As the event approaches, the buzz surrounding Glory 100 builds, reflecting the overall growth of kickboxing. With Verhoeven positioned as a dominant champion, the expectations continue to rise, bringing attention to the sport's adaptability and evolving appeal. Zelaznik notes, “Combat sports are relevant worldwide; everyone loves a good fight.” This sentiment resonates as kickboxing aficionados look forward to watching the world-class skills of fighters like Verhoeven.
In conclusion, June 14 represents not only an opportunity for Verhoeven to reaffirm his dominance in the kickboxing realm but also a strategic pivotal moment for Glory. With the transition to DAZN offering flexibility and accessibility to fans globally, the organization looks poised to expand its influence in the realm of combat sports. Verhoeven's bout with Vakhitov is waiting to bring excitement not just to kickboxing fans but to all sports enthusiasts anticipating a spectacular showdown.
