Kickboxing champion confirms talks for Francis Ngannou fight How cool would that be

Reigning Glory Kickboxing Champion Rico Verhoeven has hinted at stepping into the boxing ring for a thrilling clash with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. Speaking with MMA Fighting, Verhoeven confirmed ongoing talks with Saudi Arabia to organize this potential blockbuster event.

“The talks have been there,” Verhoeven shared. “We’ve been discussing various fights, and Francis Ngannou came up. It’s exciting to explore what the future holds, and I’m open to all kinds of fun opportunities.”

Verhoeven’s remarks have set the combat sports world buzzing, with fans eagerly anticipating this matchup between two of the most dominant heavyweights across different disciplines.

Verhoeven: The Undisputed Kickboxing King

Nicknamed the “King of Kickboxing,” Verhoeven boasts an unmatched resume in the sport. Since his last loss in 2015, the Dutch powerhouse has won 20 consecutive fights and defended his Glory title an impressive 11 times. This weekend, Verhoeven is scheduled to face Levi Rigters in a rematch, continuing his reign of dominance.

With his impeccable record and reputation as the best heavyweight kickboxer on the planet, Verhoeven’s potential transition to boxing adds a layer of intrigue to this superfight.

A Shared History Between Verhoeven and Ngannou

Interestingly, this wouldn’t be the first time Verhoeven and Ngannou have crossed paths. Back in 2021, Ngannou enlisted Verhoeven as a training partner while preparing for his UFC title defense against Ciryl Gane. Their prior collaboration in the gym could provide an additional layer of complexity and strategy to their matchup.

Verhoeven himself highlighted the unique appeal of this fight, stating, “We’re both standup combat sports champions. He’s an MMA fighter, I’m a kickboxer, and we both know how to use our hands and feet. How cool would it be to merge those styles in the ring?”

Heavyweight Showdown: A Fan’s Dream

Fans have long clamored for a cross-disciplinary clash featuring the best heavyweights. Verhoeven echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that such a fight would not only be entertaining but also groundbreaking.

“Instead of just boxers or MMA fighters crossing over, let’s get an MMA fighter against a kickboxer. Especially in the heavyweight division, it’s what everybody wants to see,” Verhoeven explained.

Ngannou’s Recent Momentum

On the other side, Ngannou recently made his PFL debut, demolishing Renan Ferreira in a dominant performance. This victory marked Ngannou’s return to the win column and reaffirmed his position as one of the most feared heavyweights in combat sports.

While it’s unclear whether Ngannou’s next fight will take place in MMA or boxing, a bout with Verhoeven would undoubtedly generate massive excitement.

Sensational Caption

“King of Kickboxing vs. The Predator: Two Titans, One Ring—Who Will Reign Supreme?”

This potential clash of titans has the makings of a historic showdown. Whether in a boxing ring or another arena, fans can’t wait to see Verhoeven and Ngannou test their skills in a high-stakes battle.

The Saudi Arabia Factor: A Fight for the Ages

With Saudi Arabia emerging as a hub for high-profile combat sports events, the potential Verhoeven vs. Ngannou bout gains even more appeal. Known for hosting blockbuster fights like Fury vs. Ngannou, the Kingdom’s involvement guarantees a spectacular showcase of talent, grandeur, and global fanfare for this heavyweight clash.