GLORY has announced that heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven will defend his title against Antonio Plazibat in 2023 during Collision 5. More than 27,000 fans will be able to witness it. The date and location will be announced soon.
A potential title fight had been in the works for some time. In fact, Rico Verhoeven was challenged live immediately after Alistair Overeem defeated Badr Hari. Ultimately, however, it will not be Overeem but Plazibat who steps into the ring with 'The King of Kickboxing' Verhoeven during Collision 5.
Rico Verhoeven has been left waiting
Rico Verhoeven's last title fight dates back to October 2021. Far too long ago, if you ask us. The kickboxer faced Jamal Ben Saddik at the time. After Rico was knocked down early in the second round and suffered an orbital fracture, Verhoeven mounted a rally to stop Ben Saddik late in the fight and defend his heavyweight title for the tenth time.