Imagine being at the pinnacle of your sport, with multiple offers on the table, each promising fame, fortune, and a legacy. That’s exactly where Rico Verhoeven found himself during his recent free agency saga. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many assumed the UFC’s offer was a mere afterthought, Verhoeven reveals it was far more competitive than anyone expected—though not enough to sway him from the boxing world’s allure.
On March 3, 2026, Verhoeven opened up about his decision-making process, shedding light on his negotiations with the UFC and why he ultimately chose a WBC heavyweight title bout against Oleksandr Usyk over a potential UFC debut. During Hunter Campbell’s testimony in the UFC antitrust lawsuit, it was confirmed that the promotion had indeed pursued Verhoeven. So, how did their offer measure up?
Verhoeven described the UFC’s proposal as ‘decent,’ but not on par with the opportunities boxing presented. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show (https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/2028913836682871130?s=20), he explained, ‘You just put the two next to each other. A big crossover fight against Anthony Joshua with a serious paycheck, or a crossover to the UFC.’ While he acknowledged Derrick Lewis as an ‘amazing fighter’ and a solid name in the UFC, Verhoeven admitted, ‘He doesn’t get that stature that I’m looking for.’ The UFC fight, he noted, would have been a good ‘coming-in’ fight, but the Joshua bout was too enticing to pass up.
And this is the part most people miss: Verhoeven didn’t dismiss the UFC’s offer outright. In fact, he praised its competitiveness, especially compared to what he was earning in GLORY kickboxing, the promotion where he became a star. ‘It was getting close,’ he said. ‘They treated me with a lot of respect and gave me a really decent offer, especially in terms of what they offer other fighters.’ However, he added, ‘Within the sport of martial arts in general and what I made within GLORY, it just didn’t make too much sense for me.’
At 36, Verhoeven returns to boxing with a 1-0 professional record, stepping into the ring with Usyk, the 24-0 undisputed heavyweight champion. The fight, scheduled for May 23 at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, marks a new chapter for the man many consider the greatest heavyweight kickboxer in modern history. With a kickboxing record of 66-10, Verhoeven’s transition to boxing is as bold as it is calculated.
But here’s the question that sparks debate: Did Verhoeven make the right choice? Was the UFC’s offer undervalued, or did he wisely prioritize boxing’s bigger stage? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you think Verhoeven’s decision will pay off, or did he leave untapped potential in the UFC?
