The Legend of Rico Verhoeven - #1 Heavyweight Kickboxer in the World

[@siegfriedo]

I never understood the amount of hate Rico gets from many kickboxing "fans". Dude is a living legend by now, superb athlete, undeniably fierce warrior, and also seems to be a decent man with good character.

[@milanbergamin1456]

In the Netherlands he's loved😁

[@Rolls7]

Because he's a boring fighter, with barely any convincing victories due to his lack of knockout power. Also because the competition he's faced so far has been of a lower level than in the K-1 heyday. None of this is really his fault though, I guess.

[@rey024]

You are right, by now he might just be the most dominant heavyweight of all time, who else was on top for 7 years? if he keeps this up for a few more years he is the GOAT, simple and plain. Now I don't even like rico, but I give respect where respect is due.

[@relaxmeditation360]

He is not a legend.. A legend is a fighter with a high ko rate. In my opinion! He is a boring fighter , butttt yes he is now 7 years the champion and that deserve respect. In my opinion is Hari and Saddik ( now in jail) the only fighters they can beat him. Hari shows it the last fight against him. But , there are more fighters ! Look at Spong.. I dont know if he can fight with his broken leg but he has the power en technique too also beat Rico. Same as Saki. If Saki get his old power back , then he can beat Rico also!

[@randomnstoned966]

@@relaxmeditation360 wtf are u going on about? High ko rate?

[@TheSpectacledSteve]

I just want to comment how impressive and informative of this video before the comments are gonna be flooded with Badr Hari fans.

[@Draregkoeliekalie]

Lol indeed

[@LawrenceKenshin]

cheers brotha

[@DeathWithinTenSteps]

They are a loud bunch

[@TheSpectacledSteve]

@@DeathWithinTenSteps I mean its like everytime Rico breathes some Badr fans are screaming Badr number one or Badr is the true king

[@DeathWithinTenSteps]

@@TheSpectacledSteve I completely agree. But all who are fans of real assholes behave like that. I gather it’s an overcompensation thing. Like they have to maintain that their hero is so great it doesn’t even matter that he is a deplorable human being. It’s like they buy into Badr’s own delusions of grandeur. The man is a narcissistic psychopath and a danger to society. I mean he’s an amazing (doped up) kickboxer but Hoost, Aerts and Bonjasky were just as amazing but they were also wonderful human beings. Sorry about the rant I’m just so f***ing done with Badr’s antics... aggressive and violent at the same time as he’s a giant f***ing drama queen.

[@Knighttus]

He worked hard to get to where he is, he deserves everything he has got.

[@adils786]

The whole of this comment thread: complaining about toxic badr hari fans ruining the comments of this video Badr hari fans: not even here

[@Draregkoeliekalie]

Rico is is so hard to beat. He rarely ko's his opponent, but beating him is near impossible. The last fight aginst Badr he was too emotional and aggresive which almost cost him the fight. It was great tobwatch though!

[@bjarnecollet1807]

I was gonna say i do not agree with it. But honestly i think its difficult to judge cause of the lack of true opponents. Most of his absolute top opponents have not been very clear wins (saki, ghita, badr) and most of the others were not that worthy of him at the time of fighting, think brestovac, guto, big foot Silva.. what rest is benny, saddik and zimmerman. And in my opinion there is a clear reason why none of them are at the absolute top. Benny has poor movement, Saddik and zimmerman dont fight with a game plan. Its a shame for rico that there hasnt been a guy with the talent, the heart and the team to be a true rival

[@mikeoxmaul138]

Because Rico stays technical is the reason he wins he does not get hot headed in a blind rage like many kickboxers, that’s when mistakes happen

[@XDKX101]

Zimmerman KOd him in a few seconds. Hari is doing a stupid approach of going straight to Rico when he needs to shake off the ring rust first but yeah

[@munchytcg]

here after his rubber match with jamal Ben Saddik. the amount of heart he showed in that fight was beautiful

[@LIONTAMER3D]

he gets better & better every fight, I absolutely must respect that

[@Teatowelman-u7c]

Rico is a beast. Hope we get too see him fight Badr for a 3rd time, but I might be a little too optimistic. Just wish there was more all time greats in this generation he could fight

[@LawrenceKenshin]

indeed a beast

[@Teatowelman-u7c]

@@LawrenceKenshin you going to to a rodtang video one day?

[@danilobubanja3029]

Badr lost his last fight against worst guy in glory and he was slepth by him so no we wont see 3th. Antonio Plazibat is the only challenge for Rico wright now.

[@dvb8637]

Gtfoh with your 3th time! The dude had 2 times his chance and both times he lost! He had more chances than any other fighter. Badr doesnt deserve a 3th fight anymore. He is done!

[@Teatowelman-u7c]

@@dvb8637 calm down with your emotional outbursts

[@LawrenceKenshin]

In a historic rise, Rico Verhoeven went from the prince of kickboxing to becoming the king of kickboxing. This is his story. Check out my new video curriculum + books on Legendary Striking. Become a Founding Member: www.legendarystriking.com

[@PatkaBoy831]

Do a video on the late Branko Cikatic.

[@LuCa8_]

i would say he. is one of the best heavyweights, but hes in that weird era where a lot of the best guys are retiring and he was just kicking them out.

[@Bigsupreme2000]

huh wut?? Rico retired them, they were not retiring. And not to mention he gave them countless chances. Rico is a brave warrior and he faces every devil on this planet. Don't you dare belittle our Legend! He works hard like a legend and he is a legend and he deserves to be the King of kickboxing, hats are off to the warrior Rico!!

[@LuCa8_]

@@Bigsupreme2000 I don’t know what you’re on about Im not saying he’s a bad fighter but he’s just in a weaker era of heavyweight kickboxing. He’s clearly very good lmao. But it’s easier to retire an old legend than to fight them in their prime. Kickboxing in general has suffered internationally.

[@kujiro_x8099]

not only is he ridiculously good, he's also quite the idol in his home country of the netherlands, and he's just a really nice dude

[@filipjuric6972]

Finally, another Lawrence Kenshin Video

[@LawrenceKenshin]

MORE COMING

[@GridIndustries]

@@LawrenceKenshin YASSSSS

[@Roformosa]

Might that be on Holzken? ;)

[@krishath7085]

His leg kicks are vicious

[@marlanvittorin]

The best of this era

[@LawrenceKenshin]

the very best

[@marlanvittorin]

@@LawrenceKenshin But, to be honest... I don't think Rico stand a chance against the greats like a young Peter Aerts, Hoost, JLB, Bonjasky, maybe Francisco Filho, Andy Hug and Ignashov.

[@siegfriedo]

@@marlanvittorin Unfortunately we will never know. I would have loved to see today"s Rico against prime JLB , Iggy or prime Badr, for that matter.

[@boratsagdiyev1586]

@@marlanvittorin if im correct bonjasky didnt fight competively at a young age he was a late guy

[@sylezmakefightz9727]

I never really cared for Rico to much I was more into the ogs like crop cop,hoost,hari etc but after I saw Rico fight a few weeks back and listen to some of his interviews I legite like him

[@ahron-K]

Rico Verhoeven is a very respected athlete, a champion worthy of his status, very brave and inspiring and a gentleman

[@adrianblania5565]

My favourite Kickboxer. Cheers for the video mate.

[@percydevries]

Amazing man!

[@rodrigoderas500]

Beautiful. I'm more into combat sports and loving it. I hope one day, athletes from my country start to shine on these arenas.

[@monsieur910]

I never have enough of your videos.Thanks!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Glad you like them!

[@jakovbekavac6269]

Please do more kickboxing the k1 golden era if possible and muay Thai too

[@anthonygrizzly6924]

Saw one of his fights on late night TV and I forgot his name. Thanks for this video!

[@dougsmith5920]

Such a well made video. Rico is the king 👑

[@seowth]

only the best from Lawrence Kenshin!!

[@jeremyarodriguez]

You’re the man dude

[@hoihallo2904]

And another Dutch legend😎

[@amineelj5292]

i like the way u make details so clear

[@ProdigyQb]

this dude is literally built differently just look at his physique

[@marchermanski2201]

But he needs to train more to get the devil on his back

[@jpvisscher8561]

In our home country he sometimes does not the credits he deserves. Criticism is always that he barely fought anyone(in their prime) from the golden days of Dutch K1 kickboxing. like its his fault he was born in a different year. Rico is hands down one of the best kickboxers if not the best this small country has ever brought forward.

[@deveneywillemse]

My idol love rico #teamrico #motivator ❤🥊

[@chucknorris202]

Can you do some technique breakdowns of Rico Verhoevens style and so on? Hes one of the fighters whose impacted by own fighting style(I train Muay thai) the most. sa

[@SpeedyB0y]

Rico is probably the best HW kickboxer ever lived! Lion heart also!

[@svlagonda7417]

Execellent video. Loved the tinkering background music too.

[@lucaswood7602]

Great work Lawrence.

[@Unidentifying]

AWesome guy with a great personality too, would love to see him in the UFC tho

[@LawrenceKenshin]

he's really great

[@Draregkoeliekalie]

Why always UFC? He is a kickboxer.

[@Unidentifying]

@@Draregkoeliekalie because they can do well there and would be cool to test

[@Draregkoeliekalie]

I dont think its cool, but obviously you do, which is fine. I dont like UFC at all personally. I understand that people consider it the ultimate fighting sport as its closest to real fighting and you need to master ground fightjng as well, but I dont like ground fighting. I think its boring and more apreciate the fight while standing when there isnt the constant threat of being taken down. Ofcourse it's personal preference, but I despise the fact the there are always people telling that any fighter should do UFC as if that's the best. It's indeed full of great atlethes, but its simply a different game than kickboxing.

[@Unidentifying]

@@Draregkoeliekalie yes i agree to a certain extent but he will be heavyweight and those guys dont fk about on the floor

[@JimBig987]

Has he ever had to face genuinely high competition regularly? Can't help but think of the super packed division back in K1; hoost, aerts, le banner, schilt, bonjasky, reem to name a few.. but that might be rose tinted glasses

[@DKYtut]

Same. Rico is great, but pretty sure he would barely reach top 10 in K1 era.

[@Budzyoner]

I used to love reading it just with the music

[@LawrenceKenshin]

we can bring some of those back!

[@mattiauk]

It would be nice to have them both. Great videos :)

[@MB-sl3hx]

@@LawrenceKenshin been following you all the way. Thank you for everything.

[@harageilucid4352]

Another awesome video from LK!

[@Sodom1611]

Legends always came to mind witj their KO. Your KO wons make you legend. Rico maybe has lack KO power but he is kind of figting machine, i always loved him style

[@stephanglock7541]

Rico is the King of kickboxing

[@willyong7901]

Man. Thanks for showing us that had never knew about kickboxing. It's just as brutal !

[@xerxessss5295]

Incoming toxic Hari fans in 3,2,1 ...

[@casskop]

Lol

[@Teatowelman-u7c]

"incoming toxic fans" - toxic fan

[@LawrenceKenshin]

haha

[@XDKX101]

Considering what Badr Hari has done in his career and the monsters we saw at K1 and itsshowtime, excuse us if we think the cardio king is great at staying above the HW cans in glory nowadays. Beating a heavily ring rusted Hari isn't really a great accomplishment If guys like Spong or Verlinden were still around, Rico wouldn't be any close to a king much less top 5 in glory

[@AlmostAeroGauge]

@@XDKX101 You base this all on nothing. If he had fought them, he would've improved beyond what he is now. That's how fighters become great fighters.

[@saebraa]

Great stuff as always!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Thanks again!

[@erucm8438]

It’s 2023 and he’s still the champ🤯

[@PlayFloyd_IN]

An absolute demon! I think Rico vs Hari 3 would be gigantic, if Hari has left one more run in him, pick himself up once again and get a couple of strong wins. As for what's next, I think Adegbuyi is next in line and if that match happens, I'll be tuning in for sure! Thanks for the video!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

would be huge for sure!

[@modelocitizen2288]

I'd love to see a video on Semmy. Dude was an absolute monster.

[@sumboy6183]

If Rico took 3 years of wrestling he would have a chance against calm Francis imo

[@KrazyKoleG]

"calm Francis" lololol yes but no chance against For Africa Francis

[@sumboy6183]

@@KrazyKoleG lol if he got angry he wouldnt turn into Russian Francis

[@hozerberto4886]

We don’t know how good his wrestling is so it would come down to athleticism and Francis is a stronger and more explosive wrestling so no chance for Rico there and in striking even thought Rico is superior after seem how Badr dropped him and how Francis demolished Overeem it would be hard for Rico

[@sumboy6183]

@@hozerberto4886 lol i only said he had a chance bro i don't see anyone beating big Francis anytime soon

[@hozerberto4886]

@@sumboy6183 sorry I got over myself 😹

[@goncalocorreia1448]

Rico 👑❤️

[@LeelosAdventure]

kickboxing is so hype

[@The-Sigma-Principle]

there is a movie with him ,so freaking good

[@lloydtorres7732]

Background music please at 2:00 mins?

[@Bredi1]

Very impressive. Thanks for sharing

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Thanks for watching!

[@MarioLamRedRebel]

RESPECT 🙏 OSU 🙏 Dutch Pride and how a martial artist must be .

[@LawrenceKenshin]

cheers

[@xeroxyde3397]

Dude legit has the look and swag of a Tekken character.

[@peet4921]

''Fractured his ankle'' Sure, he was dancing in a nightclub an hour later.

[@bomalpatriote7265]

Exactly, he quitte.. He was exhausted.. But his fangirls find every excuse as possible to protect their "hero".. Pathetic..

[@peet4921]

@@bomalpatriote7265 Yep, especially knowing he used to be one of the greats.

[@David-ni5hj]

Thanks for making a video for our beloved but underrated Champ, Lawrence 🙏

[@mattnev8930]

Rico is terrifying. He looks and fights like Guile from Streetfighter.

[@mazehaze.]

Rico doesnt get the love he deserves

[@The-Dom]

Best moving big-man in any combat sport. Reminds me of Lennox Lewis.

[@rageunlimited]

Love the channel, you are great! IMO, RV came in to the scene when kickboxing was falling apart and all the best guys were on their way out. For his era he is the best for sure, but that is because there isn't any competition as there used to be. So i do agree with people saying he wouldn't be in top 10 in the era of Hari, Saki, Overeem, Bonjasky etc, but for the time he is the best no question.

[@clarktaylor8729]

just found your channel. great videos, i enjoy the formula you use to showcase these athletes.

[@ryu7286]

Rico Verhoeven great

[@Canis_dirus300]

People despise rico because he’s a good guy. It’s messed up and doesn’t make sense.

[@jomarigarcia1309]

A new post!!

[@LawrenceKenshin]

[@AnimeFanTalk]

music name please!!!!!

[@brucehillbillybarthalow3786]

A GREAT warrior

[@HarveyPaul007]

Nice 👍

[@LawrenceKenshin]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tylerjaime5094]

Beast

[@micaiahflores1592]

What was up with badrs left shoulder blade looks nasty

[@MISTERPERFECT3806]

Birthmark.

[@micaiahflores1592]

@@MISTERPERFECT3806 really how odd :) but cool

[@daniellekkerbelangrijk3958]

thats cowskin thats how they cal that . its like leather with hair looks nasty up close

[@Zerstorter]

man this man hits like a truck fucking lord

[@TheOneAndOnlyDaan]

All these Rico haters with their so called knock-outs. Cry more. Greatest Of All Time Cry More

[@VISC3RA]

"Dropped Rico down in the first time of his Glory carreer" - 6:30 ? Jamal Ben Saddik knocked him out in 2011.

[@ESP500]

He so powerful

[@214warzone]

Rico vs. Ngannou, who would win?

[@LawrenceKenshin]

rico imo

[@214warzone]

@@LawrenceKenshin perahps

[@Unidentifying]

Rico outclasses him especially because Ngannou's style is kind of like kickboxing only much lower level than Rico, as his gameplan is simply haymakers.. but Ngannou still one of the most dangerous strikers. This would be such a fantastic match

[@rhythmocean6771]

In an MMA fight (aka the more complete form of fighting), Ngannou wins in my opinion.

[@7reasons617]

Rico gets washed in an mma fight.

[@trerad6773]

Legend

[@ruwer.7965]

Amazing fighter, i do wonder what would have happened if Badr wasn't injured.

[@GoatOfWar]

As a Rico fan, i'm inclined to believe Badr would have won. But Rico is a fierce fighter. So i guess we'll never really know.

[@safieksafiek4477]

Broly the legendary supersaiyin 💪💪💪

[@melle8917]

daym he looked like that at 18 jeez

[@Bigsupreme2000]

Rico is the Optimus Prime! 🤩

[@DeathWithinTenSteps]

Rico is the name of the main protagonist of Starship Troopers that was made into a movie by Paul Verhoeven. Just came to think of that. Anyways, i was never a fan of Rico Verhoeven. Only time I’ve ever rooted for Semmy.

[@LawrenceKenshin]

what hahaha

[@DeathWithinTenSteps]

@@LawrenceKenshin I know right. went from here to.. where? anyway i've always just disliked the dutch stylists. the only dutch style fighters i've liked are Hoost, Aerts and Kaman. Because if you don't like those guys you have no soul. Bonjasky was always a trip to watch but he had his own style. Anyway, cool to have an answer from you Lawrence, you are spreading knowledge of my favorite arts and it's great to see. Chok Di

[@TrueConnoisseur]

DeathWithinTenSteps starship troopers is fuckin awesome. Verhoeven is next level, such a subversive auteur

[@DeathWithinTenSteps]

@@TrueConnoisseur I love both the book and the movie. Exact opposite messages intended. I’ve read the book so many times I actually am starting to come out on the other side now. If you dissolve and analyze Heinlein even further he comes out as a being a Stalinist.

[@DeathWithinTenSteps]

@Great White it’s more likely because of kickboxing as a sport and fighting style. Rico came up about three generations of kickboxers after I lost interest in the sport. Like previously stated I like Hoost, Kaman and Aerts. Come to think of it that’s about all the kickboxers I like. I’d throw in Sefo, Hunt and Masato too, but that’s really all of them. I only have really strong feelings about one fighter and that’s Badr. Fuck that guy for being a violent, narcissist and criminal who drags combats sports in the dirt.

[@gelmibson883]

Woo!

[@tomfinnegan7154]

Who would win, Rico or prime Cro Cop

[@zaidbelayachi7493]

we want a rico vs badr 3

[@MariusTeodorParaschiv]

He won many fights that he lost.

[@gokolink]

Is it just me or does Glory love to throw inexperienced fighters straight to the sharks?

[@critiquemytechnique1135]

I feel like that is kickboxing in general. Ive heard of so many guys making their debut vs established killers

[@Anthony-jh6xt]

It happens a lot, judges seem a little iffy too.

[@inalienabletruths]

Legs like tree trunks

[@morpheus2270]

how would ngannou do in k1? he's already beaten a k1 champ in stand up in mma

[@LawrenceKenshin]

he'd do great

[@tevitananai9122]

Rico Vs Alistair! Make it happen

[@The-Black-Militant]

He'd dust Reem at this point in his career imo

[@openmind1558]

Kickboxer Rico vs Ngano MMA The war

[@gerthoven2090]

semmy vs rico battle of kings both prides of the netherlands. dutch kickboxers are undisputed and best in the world GOAT rico second GOAT semmy deal with it

[@juliandimkin6594]

Rico may be the king, but Badr Hari is the God of Kickboxing

[@heavyrules6699]

He is top 3 after semmy schilt and Peter aerts

[@thefire3465]

Francis vs Rico make it happen

[@eyessee3962]

Conrete!! Ask the morrocan boxers who felt it.

[@Fredrikbb]

The only thing wrong is stating that any of Adesanya's fights are exciting.

[@Stormcloakvictory]

Only vs Jan and Romero weren't really exciting. The rest were.

[@bomalpatriote7265]

@@Stormcloakvictory huge fan of Izzy but his fights against Vettori (twice), Romero, Jan. Were extremely boring. Even his fight against Costa was boring but the finish make forgetting the boring fight.

[@user-bl3si3kq6x]

Turn the music down

[@jabadashudau2422]

Are nowadays glory Kickboxer superior than the old k1 kickboxxers?

[@tobiasramstotter4362]

I'm inclined to say probably not suoerior, wonder where Rico would've stood with the greats back in the day. A Prime Bonjasky or Hoost would've come out on top, while i def see hin beat Le Banner.

[@SuacoRV]

Kickboxing in the K1 time was huge and there were plenty of great heavyweights back than. In Glory there are only a handful of good heavyweight kickboxers left. Times change and now MMA is the biggest combat sport.

[@c.f9448]

I loved k1, but the ugly truth was that some fights were fixed. Glory is a much more serious organisation

[@siegfriedo]

@@tobiasramstotter4362 Prime Bonjasky would get steamrolled by prime Rico... Prime JLB vs. prime Rico, a fight I would love to see.

[@Pwanx0w]

His legs are freaking huge the leg kicks must not feel good

[@krste3000]

This is just a narration of his record. Nothing about his techniques like his inside led kicks.

[@modahlifts5095]

How to be good in Heavy Weight Kickboxing... Be 6'4 or taller

[@eljamiaiamine1866]

U skiped 1 of the most spectacular fights in kickboxing history ....his fight against jamal 2017