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Bergen op Zoom

Bergen op Zoom is a city in West Brabant with a strong connection to kickboxing. Glory world champion Rico Verhoeven was born there, kickboxer Chahid Oulad El Hadj fought out of the city, and gyms such as MMA Schouteren, Diablo Gym, and Victory Gym offer boxing, kickboxing, and MMA.

At a glance

Country NETHERLANDS  Netherlands Region North Brabant
Gyms 5 Fighters 1 Trainers 0 Events - Venues 0 Organizations 0

Introduction

FightBase story

About this city

Bergen op Zoom is the birthplace of Rico Verhoeven and a city with a strong kickboxing- and Muay Thaitradition, from local fight events to gyms with their own boxing rings.

FightBase story

Overview

Bergen op Zoom as a martial arts city

The martial arts reputation of Bergen op Zoom is inextricably linked to Rico Verhoeven, who was born in the city and grew into the face of heavyweight kickboxing.

The city also has its own kickboxing and Muay Thai culture, with local fighters, fight events in the city and several gyms that train everyone from beginners to competitive fighters.

FightBase story

Geography and character

Martial arts in West Brabant

Bergen op Zoom is located in West Brabant, close to the Belgian border. This location is reflected in the martial arts scene: Flemish fighters such as Noël Van den Heuvel and Luc Verheye trained in Bergen op Zoom before founding Rocky Gym in Maldegem.

The city thus serves as a hub in a cross-border kickboxing and Muay Thai network.

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History

History and heritage

Rico Verhoeven was born in 1989 in Bergen op Zoom. He began practicing Kyokushin karate as a child and later switched to kickboxing, in which he became the heavyweight world champion at Glory.

Also Chahid Oulad El Hadj, born in 1988, fought out of Bergen op Zoom and became 2006 WFCA Benelux champion. The city hosted events such as Future Battle and the Thaibox Gala (both in 2006).

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Martial arts landscape

Combat sports landscape

MMA Schouteren by Nathan Schouteren was the first gym in West Brabant with an Olympic quality mark. Diablo Gym has two boxing rings and is run by Travis Schlee, who has been active in martial arts since 1984. Victory Gym offers kickboxing and boxing training from beginner to advanced.

This gives Bergen op Zoom a wide range of boxing, kickboxing and MMA.

Data last checked on 8 October 2026

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