Rico Verhoeven was born on October 10, 1989 in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands. From a very young age, he was exposed to the world of martial arts, as his father was a black belt in karate. At the age of 5, Rico began training in the martial art of Kyokushin, a full-contact style of karate known for its intense training and tough fighters. By the age of 7, Rico had already transitioned to kickboxing, showing immense talent and potential in the combat sport.
Throughout his career, Rico Verhoeven has competed in various promotions such as K-1, It's Showtime, and SUPERKOMBAT. His impressive skills and dominating performances quickly caught the attention of kickboxing fans and critics alike. He eventually went on to become the Glory Heavyweight Champion and was consistently ranked as the #1 heavyweight in the world by multiple kickboxing sources.
One of Rico's most notable feats is winning his first and only professional boxing and mixed martial arts matches, both by knockout. This further solidified his status as a versatile and dominant combat sports athlete. Beyond his achievements in the ring, Rico also landed a role in the film Kickboxer: Retaliation, alongside the legendary Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Despite his intense training and rigorous competition schedule, Rico Verhoeven values his family above all else. He is married to Jacky Duchenne, and together they have two daughters named Mikayla and Jazlynn. Rico's dedication to his family and his sport is what drives him to continue pushing himself to new heights of success.
Rico Verhoeven's impact on the world of kickboxing is undeniable. His combination of skill, athleticism, and determination has inspired a new generation of fighters to pursue their dreams in the combat sports world. As he continues to dominate the heavyweight division and take on new challenges, Rico sets the standard for excellence in kickboxing.
With a remarkable career filled with achievements and accolades, Rico Verhoeven has cemented his status as one of the greatest heavyweight kickboxers of all time. His relentless work ethic and unwavering determination serve as a source of inspiration for fighters and fans around the world.