GLORY Kickboxing has long been the premier global stage for elite striking talent. With its roots in Europe and events now held worldwide, the organization has seen dozens of world-class fighters step into its ring. But among the many stars that have passed through, one name consistently stands above the rest when it comes to global recognition, title success, and impact on the sport: Rico Verhoeven.
Rico Verhoeven: The King of Kickboxing
Rico Verhoeven, often called “The King of Kickboxing,” has dominated the GLORY heavyweight division for nearly a decade. Making his GLORY debut in 2012, Verhoeven quickly rose through the ranks with his technical skills, incredible conditioning, and fight IQ. He captured the heavyweight title in 2014 and has since defended it multiple times against the very best in the division.
His fighting style combines Dutch-style kickboxing fundamentals with modern athleticism. At 6’5” and around 260 pounds, Verhoeven moves with surprising speed and fluidity for a heavyweight. He’s defeated a who’s who of heavyweights including Badr Hari, Jamal Ben Saddik, and Benjamin Adegbuyi.
Global Recognition and Crossover Appeal
What truly sets Verhoeven apart from other GLORY fighters is his ability to break into the mainstream. He has appeared in films, done commercials, and participated in Dutch television, making him a household name in the Netherlands and parts of Europe. He also models and is regularly featured in lifestyle and fitness magazines.

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His marketability and clean image have helped promote GLORY to broader audiences. While many fighters focus solely on competition, Verhoeven understands the business side of the sport. He uses media appearances and social media influence to grow the visibility of both himself and the promotion.
Other Notable GLORY Stars
While Rico Verhoeven stands at the top, other fighters have also made a big impact. Badr Hari remains a huge draw due to his legacy and fierce rivalry with Verhoeven. Fighters like Artem Vakhitov in the light heavyweight division and Alex Pereira, who later transitioned to MMA and became a UFC champion, also brought attention to GLORY with their striking excellence.
Still, none of them have maintained Verhoeven’s consistency, dominance, and crossover appeal in the same way.
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