Kickboxing
How Rico Verhoeven finds motivation in kickboxing dominance ahead of GLORY 100
Watch GLORY 100 live Saturday on DAZN
When you’ve been on top of the world for a decade, with a dozen title defences, it can sometimes be a challenge to find motivation. There’s always a new contender, a new challenger, someone trying to take your crown. Getting out of bed and going to the gym gets much more challenging when you’re in silk sheets.
So, how does Rico Verhoeven do it?
‘The King of Kickboxing’ Verhoeven has captured three tournament titles in GLORY, plus defended his heavyweight throne in 12 bouts. He’s faced champions from all over the globe and backgrounds, plus multiple generations of heavyweights. Taking a mental rest during his job means getting knocked out by a head kick.
Next, he will face the Muay Thai-based striker Artem Vakhitov, who is a former champion at light heavyweight and holds a victory over two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira. The former light heavyweight king is quick and intelligent; he will look to upend the world of kickboxing, but Verhoeven will be fighting to hold his crown in the main event of GLORY 100 on Saturday.
The career of Verhoeven, a decade of dominance, has made him a celebrity in his home country with starring roles in action flicks and often attends red carpet events.
He has sponsorships with major brands and even helps UFC champions prepare for their bout which makes Verhoeven an established name in the Netherlands who could easily stop at any time.
But instead, he chooses the hard road. The quest for greatness. How does he stay motivated?
In an exclusive interview with DAZN News, he explained:
“What gets me out of bed is the desire to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday. That’s what drives me.”
For anyone on the path to greatness, regardless of the end-goal, how one finds success is through perseverance and grit according to Verhoeven.
“Nothing comes easy. If you put in the work, it will pay off - but don’t expect results tomorrow. Use the compound effect: make small steps every day,” he continued.
“As long as you keep doing that, you’ll reach your destination, one way or another. Don’t expect to get there in a day, a year, or even quickly - it takes a long time. There will be periods when you don’t get affirmation or feel like you’re improving, but you are, because you’re making progress every day. Believe in that and keep going.
“The most important thing is to believe in yourself, because other people will project their fears onto you - telling you it’s too much, too far, or not for you. If you believe you can do it, do it, and do everything you can to get there. That’s the most important thing: believe in yourself.”
- Read next | Heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven reflects on success ahead of Glory 100 title defence
On the path to greatness, there are no days off. Champions and legends are made in the gym.
‘The King of Kickboxing’ Verhoeven will have his hands full against the dangerous striker Vakhitov. But the Dutch-born heavyweight is ready.
“He’ll push the pace, and he’ll try to out-endurance me. He thinks his experience as a light heavyweight will help him, especially as the fight goes on. He expects I’ll have a rough time, but I’m prepared for that.”
