UFC knockout record holder makes surprising revelation about duel with kickboxing legend; find out more.

Verhoeven promotes GLORY event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/RicoVerhoeven

Apparently, the UFC heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) could have received an electrifying confrontation in early 2026. According to Derrick Lewis, who holds the record for knockout victories in the company's history, was even offered a fight by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) against Rico Verhoeven, a multi-time world kickboxing champion in Glory, the world's largest organization in the sport.

See too

VIDEO: Michel Pereira exchanges powerful blows with former champion during intense training; watch

The duel between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua makes Netflix history with impressive viewership.

Brazilian fighter who defeated former UFC champion is released after ten years in the organization.

The Black Beast spoke about the subject during an appearance on Espaitec's 'The Beast & The Cowboy' last Tuesday (23). According to him, the initial plan was to arrange a confrontation with the Dutchman, owner of the Glory heavyweight belt for more than a decade and who now intends to make the definitive transition to MMA.

"First it was supposed to be with the guy from Glory… The UFC said, 'We have something big for you. You're going to like it'… it was supposed to be a guy from Glory, Rico. Then he refused the fight. Then came the…" Sergei Pavlovich"But he also said no," said the American, who is one of the presenters of... Espaitec's.

???? Derrick Lewis reveals he was offered a fight against former GLORY heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven at #UFC324, but Rico turned it down 👀

“The [UFC said] 'we got something big for you'… it was supposed to be some dude from Glory, Rico. Then he turned the fight down.”… pic.twitter.com/h96CisTLtk

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 23, 2025

Knockout artist could return to the top of the UFC division.

Derrick Lewis celebrating victory over Tallison Teixeira. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram UFC

PUBLICITY:

In his last few fights, Lewis knocked out the Brazilians. Rodrigo Zé Colmeia e Tallison Teixeira in great performances. Given the difficulties in negotiating for the next match, Lewis will face Waldo Cortes-Acosta on the main card of UFC 324, the first numbered event of 2026, which features the duel between Paddy Pimblett e Justin gaethje In the main event, this is an opportunity for the American to return to the top 5 of the division, given that the Dominican is coming off two consecutive wins.