JRE MMA Show #183 with Rico Verhoeven

Overview

This episode features a deep dive into Rico Verhoeven's transition from kickboxing to professional boxing, his controversial fight against Oleksandr Usyk, and the broader challenges and opportunities in combat sports. Rico and Joe discuss the nuances of judging in combat sports, the evolution of kickboxing, and the future of the sport. Rico also shares personal stories, including his journey into acting and how he copes with personal loss.

Notable Quotes

- I think this is the fight. It’s unfinished business. – Rico Verhoeven, on the need for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

- If you can knee bar a guy or heel hook him, you’ve got to be able to calf kick. – Joe Rogan, defending the legitimacy of calf kicks in combat sports.

- Boxing is an art. You have 12 rounds to paint your masterpiece. – Rico Verhoeven, reflecting on the strategic depth of boxing compared to kickboxing.

🥊 Rico Verhoeven vs. Oleksandr Usyk: The Controversy

- Rico and Joe discuss the controversial stoppage in Rico's fight against Usyk, with both agreeing the fight was halted prematurely.

- Rico expressed frustration with the judges’ scoring, which he felt did not reflect the fight’s reality. He emphasized the need for transparency and alternative scoring systems in combat sports.

- Joe suggested increasing the number of judges (as seen in Glory kickboxing) and incorporating expert opinions via technology to improve judging accuracy.

- Both agreed that a rematch with Usyk is the most logical next step, given the fight's competitive nature and unresolved outcome.

📜 The Evolution and Challenges of Kickboxing

- Rico and Joe lamented the lack of recognition for kickboxing in the U.S., despite its popularity in Europe and its foundational role in MMA.

- They discussed how storytelling and promotion, as seen in the UFC, could elevate kickboxing’s profile globally.

- Rico highlighted the importance of transparency and fair compensation for fighters, advocating for better opportunities for the next generation of kickboxers.

- Joe praised the technical and brutal nature of kickboxing, calling it one of the most exciting combat sports.

🎥 Transitioning to Acting

- Rico shared his passion for acting, describing it as his next big challenge after an illustrious fighting career.

- He has worked on major productions like Den of Thieves and Roadhouse and credits acting with helping him process emotions he previously suppressed as a fighter.

- Rico revealed that Jason Statham, a close friend and mentor, has been instrumental in guiding his acting career.

💪 Training, Conditioning, and Longevity

- Rico detailed his rigorous training regimen, which focuses on endurance and high-rep strength training with minimal rest to maintain his elite conditioning.

- He emphasized the mental aspect of pushing through fatigue, noting that when he feels tired, he assumes his opponent is even more exhausted.

- Joe and Rico discussed the toll of combat sports on the body, including Rico’s recovery from an ACL injury and the importance of tools like hyperbaric chambers and cold plunges for recovery.

🌍 The Future of Combat Sports

- The conversation explored the growing influence of Saudi Arabia’s investment in combat sports, with figures like Turki Al-Sheikh facilitating blockbuster fights.

- Joe and Rico agreed that competition among promotions like the UFC, PFL, and ONE Championship is crucial for the growth of combat sports and better opportunities for fighters.

- They also discussed the potential for crossover events and the role of social media and influencers in bringing new audiences to combat sports.