GLORY formally introduced that the âKing of Kickboxingâ Rico Verhoeven (60-10, 20 KO) has signed a brand-new three-year contract that won’t solely see him compete within the ring for a number of extra fights but in addition be extra concerned with the model outdoors of the ring.
As well as, Rico Verhoeven confirms that he can even enter the eight-man one-night GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix which is able to happen Saturday, March 9, on the GelreDome in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
The heavyweight champion joins a discipline which incorporates the beforehand certified Tariq Osaro (25-3-1, 13 KO), Levi Rigters (15-1, 7 KO), Uku JĂŒrjendal (20-8, 16 KO), Bahram Rajabzadeh (65-1, 58 KO), and Sofian LaĂŻdouni (35-2-1, 17 KO), and Antonio Plazibat (22-6, 16 KO), who yesterday was confirmed as a wildcard entrant.
The ultimate entrant will likely be determined at GLORY 90 tonight, December 23, when large Moroccan Nabil Khachab (26-4-1, 4 KO) clashes with Serbiaâs Nikola Filipovic (11-2, 6 KO).
âAs somebody whoâs been a part of the GLORY household since 2012, I can truthfully say that Iâve by no means felt extra motivated and excited,â Rico Verhoeven said. âWhat actually conjures up and drives me is the mixture of dealing with challenges within the ring and my function in rising the model and fight sports activities generally outdoors of it. GLORYâs new path for 2024 is an actual game-changer. When youâre a fan of fight sports activities, GLORY is the place to be for continuous motion and leisure. I put my cash the place my mouth is by going up in opposition to seven different prime heavyweights to assert victory within the Heavyweight Grand Prix on March 9!â
âRico has dominated the heavyweight division in kickboxing for the final 10 years, a feat that no different fighter managed to realize in different fight sports activities,â stated Pierre Andurand, GLORY co-founder and Chairman. âHe is a superb champion inside and outdoors the ring, and I’m glad that he determined to battle in GLORY for at the least the subsequent three years. Going again to the eight-man match format and having Rico competing within the Grand Prix on March 8 could be very thrilling. Tournaments are extra unpredictable and are a check of the preventing spirit. They assure extra motion, extra feelings, and extra drama. New stars will come up. I hope the followers are as excited as me about what’s to come back in 2024 and past within the sport of kickboxing.â
âSubsequent 12 months will likely be an historic 12 months for GLORY and with our new technique in place, Rico will likely be an vital driver for our future success,â stated Maurice Hols, GLORY Government Director. âI’m thrilled to see him enter the GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix and prolong his contract for a number of extra years. Having his involvement with the GLORY model outdoors of the ring can even play an vital function in what will likely be a large interval of progress & evolution of the GLORY product for followers.â
This information follows the huge construction change to the GLORY 2024 calendar which is able to see thrilling Grand Prix occasions throughout the heavyweight, mild heavyweight, middleweight, and light-weight divisions, superfights, larger & extra worldwide occasions, and an elevated fan & viewer expertise.
The GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix will happen March 9 stay from the GelreDome in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
