Imagine being at the pinnacle of your sport, with multiple offers on the table, each promising fame, fortune, and a legacy. That’s exactly where Rico Verhoeven found himself during his recent free agency saga. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the UFC came knocking, Verhoeven ultimately chose the boxing ring over the Octagon. Why? Let’s dive into the details and uncover what really went down.
On March 3, 2026, Rico Verhoeven, widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight kickboxer in modern history, shed light on his decision-making process during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. With a staggering 66-10 record in kickboxing and a 1-0 professional boxing record, Verhoeven is no stranger to high-stakes decisions. This time, however, the choice wasn’t just about the sport—it was about the offer, the opponent, and the legacy.
And this is the part most people miss: Verhoeven didn’t dismiss the UFC outright. In fact, he acknowledged that their offer was decent, perhaps better than many expected. During Hunter Campbell’s testimony in the UFC antitrust lawsuit, it was revealed that the promotion had made a serious play for Verhoeven. But how did it stack up against the boxing world’s proposals? Verhoeven explained, ‘It was a decent offer, but when you put it next to what boxing had to offer, it just didn’t compare.’
The UFC’s proposal, while respectful and competitive—especially compared to what they offer other fighters—couldn’t match the allure of a high-profile boxing match. Verhoeven was eyeing a crossover fight with Anthony Joshua, a bout that promised not only a serious paycheck but also the kind of global recognition he craved. In contrast, the UFC’s proposed matchup with Derrick Lewis, while intriguing, lacked the same stature. ‘Derrick Lewis is an amazing fighter,’ Verhoeven noted, ‘but he doesn’t have the same global appeal I’m looking for.’
Verhoeven also addressed the rumors circulating online, clarifying that the UFC didn’t lowball him. ‘They treated me with a lot of respect,’ he said. ‘The offer was decent, especially compared to what I was making in GLORY kickboxing. But in the end, it just didn’t make sense for me.’ This insight challenges the narrative that the UFC undervalues talent, sparking a bold question: Are fighters like Verhoeven simply outgrowing the UFC’s ecosystem, or is boxing still the ultimate prize?
Now, Verhoeven is set to face Oleksandr Usyk, the 24-0 undisputed heavyweight boxing champion, on May 23 at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. This fight isn’t just about winning—it’s about cementing his legacy in a new arena. But as we watch this chapter unfold, it’s hard not to wonder: What if he had chosen the UFC instead? What do you think? Did Verhoeven make the right call, or did he miss an opportunity to dominate yet another combat sport? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
