Verhoeven's Five Scariest Wins That Will Give You the Creeps
Oleksandr Usyk is set to face Rico Verhoeven—one of the most dangerous strikers in modern kickboxing, who has been crushing opponents for years and has racked up a string of very convincing and sometimes brutal victories. In the run-up to the bout, people are recalling his most sensational fights, which make it clear why he is called a true “monster” of the ring.
On the night of May 23, Usyk will face an unusual challenge against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, and ahead of the bout, there is active discussion of the Dutchman’s most spectacular victories, which showcase his strength, endurance, and cool-headed style in the ring.
Rico Verhoeven has long transcended the role of a mere kickboxing champion—he has become a fighter feared for his consistency, pace, and ability to methodically “break down” opponents. His victories rarely appear accidental: they always involve control, pressure, and the gradual exhaustion of his opponent, who at a certain point simply can no longer keep up with the rhythm.
One of his most memorable fights was against Anderson Silva, where Verhoeven imposed his pace from the very first rounds and didn’t let his opponent find his rhythm. Low kicks, constant pressure, and precise combinations of strikes gradually broke down his opponent’s defense, and the outcome was the result of sustained pressure—Silva was unable to continue the fight after another series of strikes to the legs.
No less telling was the fight against Jamal Ben Saddik in 2017, where Rico had to endure a true test of strength. His opponent had a powerful punch and a physical advantage, but Verhoeven weathered the tough moments and gradually brought the fight to his own pace, where endurance and precision, rather than explosive power, proved decisive.
Another example of complete dominance was the bout against Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva. From the very first seconds, Verhoeven began to press so hard that he left his opponent no room to maneuver, constantly combining punches and kicks. The fight turned into a one-sided onslaught, forcing the referee to intervene to stop the overly brutal confrontation.
In his bout against Benjamin Adegbu, the Dutchman demonstrated not only strength but also tactical maturity. He calmly controlled the distance, forced his opponent into mistakes, and gradually built up his advantage until he finished the fight with a precise strike that proved decisive.
His 2021 rematch with Ben Saddik is also often mentioned—one of the toughest fights of Verhoeven’s career. It had it all: pressure, exchanges, blood, and a constant sense of danger. But even under such conditions, Rico didn’t crack; he weathered the blows and gradually steered the fight toward his victory, once again confirming his status as champion.
It is precisely because of such bouts that the main context emerges ahead of the fight with Usyk: Verhoeven is not just a big opponent for the show, but a fighter who is used to breaking strong opponents with pace, endurance, and cold-blooded methodicalness, and this is exactly what makes the upcoming bout one of the most talked-about in the world of combat sports.
The fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven is scheduled for May 23, but the exact time of the Ukrainian’s entrance into the ring is being pushed back further and further due to a packed undercard. The fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven is scheduled for May 23, but the exact time of the Ukrainian’s entrance into the ring is being pushed back further and further due to a packed undercard.
Prior to this, Usyk and Verhoeven held a joint pre-fight press conference and another stare-down, where they openly expressed respect for one another but also their readiness for a tough fight. Both athletes emphasized that despite their different disciplines, they are united by a love of combat and competition.
The fight is expected to be broadcast in Ukraine on the Kyivstar TV platform, and the bout itself is already being called one of the most intriguing matchups between representatives of different fighting styles in recent years.
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