Just hours before the SENSHI 29 event kicked off in Varna, Bulgaria, kickboxing legend Semmy Schilt shared his thoughts on Rico Verhoeven’s decision to step away from the GLORY title he’s dominated for over a decade.
Schilt, speaking in an exclusive interview with Beyond Kickboxing’s Tim Wheaton, gives respect where it’s due, saying, “I think he’s done great for himself. Some say his opponents are carefully picked, but honestly, I don’t fully buy that. He’s just on another level.”
Rico Verhoeven's departure from GLORY marks the end of an era for the heavyweight kingpin, who held the title for over a decade with a staggering 16-title defenses and an unbeaten run since 2012. He earned wins over legends like Badr Hari and Artem Vakhitov, and many others.
Fans and insiders speculate he might chase superfights in boxing or even cross over to MMA with the PFL or UFC. Whatever's next, Verhoeven's GLORY legacy as the division's GOAT is locked in, leaving big shoes for challengers to fill.
Semmy Schilt stands as one of combat sports' all-time greats, a 6'11" Dutch beast who dominated K-1 with four Grand Prix titles. Today he teaches seminars all over the globe with SENSHI.
Schilt points out that Verhoeven’s top-notch preparation is key to his long unbeaten streak. “Yeah, he takes some hits, but if you’re undefeated for 12 years, you’re gonna get hit sometimes. You can’t get lazy or underestimate anyone. That’s something I learned the hard way.” He recalls getting caught off guard by a smaller opponent when he fought in PANCRASE.
“I fought Hasagawa, he was the smallest guy in PANCRASE, and he got me with an ankle lock. That made me realize I can never underestimate anyone. I wasn’t aware that I was underestimating him, but I did. That’s a big trap, and I think Rico handles this very well.”
This mindset, Schilt says, is exactly what makes Verhoeven so tough to beat. “Rico never underestimates his opponents. Even after serious knockdowns, he always comes back strong. That shows his mentality and why he’s been such a dominant force.” He adds, “Other fighters can’t match that. It just proves how good he really is.”
SENSHI 29 itself is a major stage in kickboxing right now, bringing top fighters from all over the world to Varna. The event blends traditional Kyokushin karate with modern kickboxing rules, making it a perfect place to see the sport evolve.
Rico Verhoeven is the GLORY heavyweight king who recently vacated his title after an unmatched 12-year reign. Verhoeven's move marks a new chapter for one of the division's most dominant fighters.
Semmy Schilt, the kickboxing icon, has long been a mentor figure in the sport. SENSHI 29 is unfolding in Varna, Bulgaria with Schilt ringside.
