Imagine being at the pinnacle of your sport, with multiple offers on the table, each promising fame, fortune, and a chance to cement your 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 made a surprising play for the kickboxing legend, 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 opened up about his high-stakes negotiations, including a surprising offer from the UFC. In the end, he opted for a WBC heavyweight title bout against the undefeated Oleksandr Usyk, a decision that left many wondering: What did the UFC offer, and why wasn’t it enough?
During Hunter Campbell’s testimony in the UFC antitrust lawsuit, it was revealed that the promotion had pursued Verhoeven. So, how did their offer stack up? According to Verhoeven, it was better than most would assume—but not quite on par with what the boxing world brought to the table.
And this is the part most people miss: In a candid interview on The Ariel Helwani Show (https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/2028913836682871130?s=20), Verhoeven described the UFC’s offer as 'decent,' but not transformative. 'You just put the two next to each other,' he explained. 'A big crossover fight against Anthony Joshua with a serious paycheck, or a crossover to the UFC, which is different.' While he acknowledged Derrick Lewis as an 'amazing fighter,' Verhoeven felt the UFC matchup lacked the stature he was seeking. 'It was a good 'coming-in' fight for transitioning to the UFC,' he admitted, 'but I was like, 'Nah, let’s go for the Anthony Joshua fight.' So that’s what happened.'
Verhoeven didn’t disclose the exact terms of the UFC’s offer, but he confirmed it was comparable to what he earned in GLORY kickboxing, the promotion where he became a star. 'One-hundred percent, it was getting close,' he said. 'I see so much stuff on the internet that’s definitely not true. The UFC didn’t just brush me off with a lowball offer. They treated me with respect and gave me a really decent deal, especially compared to what they offer other fighters. But when you look at the broader martial arts landscape and what I made in GLORY, it just didn’t make sense for me.'
Now, at 36, Verhoeven is stepping back into the boxing ring with a 1-0 professional record, facing the 24-0 undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk. The fight, scheduled for May 23 at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, marks a bold new chapter for the man many consider the greatest heavyweight kickboxer in modern history. With a 66-10 kickboxing record, Verhoeven’s transition to boxing is one of the most anticipated moves in combat sports.
Here’s the controversial question: Did the UFC miss their chance to sign a legend, or did Verhoeven make the smarter move by sticking to boxing? Let’s debate it in the comments—did the UFC’s offer fall short, or was boxing simply the better fit for Verhoeven’s legacy?
