Ngannou quits MMA to burn the ring with Rico Verhoeven. Or is it just a trick
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is reportedly in serious discussions for a monumental showdown with Rico Verhoeven, the reigning Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion. This fight, targeted for the summer of 2025, has the combat sports world buzzing. While the specifics of the match—whether it will follow MMA or boxing rules—are still under wraps, fans are eagerly anticipating the possibility of this epic clash between two combat sports titans.
A Dominant Fighter in Multiple Disciplines
Since leaving the UFC, Francis Ngannou has captured attention across the combat sports landscape. In October 2024, he seized the PFL SuperFight heavyweight championship with a dominant first-round TKO victory over Renan Ferreira. His dominance in MMA has been undeniable, but Ngannou has also ventured into boxing, squaring off against the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in high-profile bouts throughout 2023 and 2024.
His ability to dominate in both MMA and boxing has earned him widespread respect, but a matchup with Verhoeven in a kickboxing ring presents a different kind of challenge. While Ngannou’s striking power is legendary, the intricacies of kickboxing could present a unique hurdle against the highly skilled and experienced Verhoeven.
Verhoeven: The King of Kickboxing
Rico Verhoeven, known as the “King of Kickboxing,” is one of the sport’s most decorated fighters, with a professional record of 65-10, including 21 knockouts. Verhoeven recently demonstrated his dominance by successfully defending his Glory Heavyweight Title in December 2024 with a unanimous decision victory over Levi Righters.
While Verhoeven has shown interest in transitioning to other combat sports, his efforts have remained relatively brief. He holds a 1-0 MMA record, with a first-round TKO victory over Viktor Bogutzki nine years ago, and has flirted with boxing in the past, even securing a second-round KO against Janos Finfera in 2014. Despite these ventures, Verhoeven has largely remained in kickboxing, where he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time.
Could This Be the Ultimate MMA Showdown?
If this fight were to be signed under MMA rules, it would mark a huge milestone for the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Ngannou’s devastating power and Verhoeven’s unparalleled striking skills would set the stage for a stylistic dream match that would have fans on the edge of their seats. The potential for an explosive fight with both fighters at their peak is what makes this showdown so enticing.
The PFL could also offer Verhoeven a smoother transition into MMA. If the promotion can secure this matchup, they could provide Verhoeven with a seamless path into the sport without the hurdles that might come with organizations like the UFC, which often require fighters to prove themselves in smaller promotions before earning a main roster spot.
Why This Fight Will Be a Game-Changer
The Ngannou vs. Verhoeven fight is one that transcends individual sports, blending the best of kickboxing, MMA, and boxing. Fans are eagerly speculating on which rules the fight will follow, as both men are renowned for their knockout power and exceptional fighting techniques. A win for Ngannou could solidify his legacy across multiple combat sports, while a victory for Verhoeven would cement his place as the undisputed King of Kickboxing, showcasing his ability to dominate in new realms.
In short, this is the fight of the century, a true collision of legends that will ignite the world of combat sports in 2025. Stay tuned as more details unfold—this fight is bound to blow your mind!
