The UFC tried (and failed) to get one of the biggest names in kickboxing on its roster.
All-time kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven is currently a free agent, and the UFC attempted to get his services for its Paramount kickoff card, UFC 324 on Jan. 24. That’s according to Hunter Campbell during testimony Thursday, as part of an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the promotion.
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Campbell was asked by Judge Richard Boulware in Nevada Federal District Court whether or not he and CEO Dana White ever discussed competing with other promotions for athletes’ services.
Campbell brought up two different instances. The first was a “Polish fighter” for KSW (presumed to be Roberto Soldic). Campbell said he was sure the fighter would sign with the UFC and indicated he had already penciled him into a card. However, Campbell said he saw on social media that Soldic was instead going elsewhere, so he made a comment to White about having to revamp a specific card.
The second instance was that of Verhoeven, the man many believe to be the greatest heavyweight kickboxer in modern history. Verhoeven (66-10 kickboxing) in November announced he’d stepped away from GLORY Kickboxing and was pursuing MMA, with rumors of the UFC as his potential next move.
However, Campbell indicated Thursday that Verhoeven wanted “over a million dollars” and decided to pursue boxing instead. He did not specifically name where Verhoeven is headed, so it remains to be seen where the 36-year-old big man will land.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC tried (and failed) to sign massive superstar for Paramount debut
