Francis Ngannou vs. Rico Verhoeven Crossover Fight Falls Apart After Former Alex Pereira Rival’s Shock UFC Exit

The world of combat sports thrives on high-profile crossover fights, and one of the most intriguing potential matchups in recent years was the rumored showdown between Francis Ngannou and Rico Verhoeven. Fans were eager to see the former UFC heavyweight champion square off against the reigning GLORY kickboxing king, as such a bout promised to be a collision of brutal knockout power and elite striking technique.

However, just as negotiations seemed to be gaining traction, the fight fell apart suddenly, largely due to the unexpected exit of a former Alex Pereira rival from the UFC. The ripple effects of this move have not only reshaped the heavyweight landscape in multiple combat sports but have also left fans wondering what could have been.

Let’s take a deeper look at the reasons behind the fight’s collapse, what this means for Ngannou’s future, and how Rico Verhoeven might move forward after losing a major crossover opportunity.

Why the Ngannou vs. Verhoeven Fight Was So Hyped

Francis Ngannou and Rico Verhoeven represent two of the most dominant forces in their respective sports. A fight between them would have bridged the worlds of MMA and kickboxing, offering a spectacle that could rival the biggest crossover events in combat sports history.

• Francis Ngannou: Known for his terrifying knockout power, Ngannou became a global superstar after demolishing Stipe Miocic to capture the UFC heavyweight title. His ability to put opponents to sleep with a single punch makes him one of the most feared fighters in the world.

• Rico Verhoeven: A technical genius in kickboxing, Verhoeven has dominated the heavyweight division in GLORY for nearly a decade. His crisp combinations, durability, and cardio have made him a near-invincible force in the ring.

Both men entertain different fan bases—Ngannou appeals to the MMA audience, while Verhoeven is a kickboxing legend. A fight between them would have been a true clash of styles, with Ngannou’s raw power going up against Verhoeven’s precision and technique.

But why did the fight collapse? The answer lies in the shocking UFC departure of a fighter who indirectly played a major role in the negotiations.

The Unexpected UFC Departure That Changed Everything

One of the key factors behind the collapse of Ngannou vs. Verhoeven was the sudden exit of a former Alex Pereira rival from the UFC. This fighter, whose name has not been officially disclosed in direct connection to the Verhoeven bout, was reportedly involved in negotiations that indirectly affected the financial and promotional structure of the crossover event.

How Did This Departure Impact Ngannou vs. Verhoeven?

1. Shifting Priorities in Negotiations

   • The UFC was rumored to be involved in discussions that would have impacted Verhoeven’s ability to compete in the fight. With a key figure leaving the promotion, the financial backing and promotional leverage for the event suddenly weakened.

2. Ngannou’s Alternative Options Became More Appealing

   • With this crossover fight now lacking solid promotional support, Ngannou’s management shifted focus to other options, including a potential rematch with Tyson Fury or a big-money boxing fight against Deontay Wilder.

3. Rico Verhoeven Left in Limbo

   • Without Ngannou as an opponent, Verhoeven was left without a major crossover fight. While he remains active in GLORY, his ambitions for a blockbuster event outside of kickboxing have been delayed indefinitely.

These sudden shifts left both fighters searching for new directions, and while the crossover fight might not be completely dead, it is now far from becoming reality anytime soon.

What’s Next for Francis Ngannou?

Now that the Verhoeven fight has collapsed, the question remains: What’s next for Francis Ngannou?

1. A Return to Boxing

Ngannou’s boxing ambitions remain at the forefront of his career plans. After his impressive showing against Tyson Fury, where he nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history, he has attracted attention from top boxers, including

• Tyson Fury (Rematch?)—Fury barely escaped with a split-decision win, and a rematch could be a major PPV draw.

• Deontay Wilder—A clash between two of the most powerful punchers in combat sports history would be a guaranteed spectacle.

• Anthony Joshua—While Joshua has his sights on Fury and Dubois, a fight with Ngannou would be a massive global event.

If Ngannou pursues boxing instead, it could mark the end of his interest in kickboxing crossovers.

2. A Surprise Return to MMA?

Ngannou is still under contract with the PFL, where he has yet to make his debut. While his focus has been on crossover fights and boxing, a potential PFL super fight against a top MMA contender could be another direction.

Possible MMA opponents:

• Ryan Bader (Bellator Heavyweight Champion)—With PFL acquiring Bellator, a champion vs. champion fight is possible.

• Tom Aspinall (UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion) – A UFC crossover fight, while difficult, would be historic.

If Ngannou reignites his MMA career, it would likely spell the end of his crossover ambitions.

What’s Next for Rico Verhoeven?

With Ngannou off the table, Rico Verhoeven now faces a tough decision about his own future.

1. Staying in GLORY and Defending His Title

As the most dominant heavyweight in kickboxing, Verhoeven can continue his reign in GLORY, but without crossover fights, his star power may plateau.

2. Seeking an MMA Debut

If he still wants a crossover fight, Verhoeven could consider moving into MMA. Some fighters have transitioned successfully, such as Alex Pereira, and Verhoeven’s elite striking could be a weapon inside the cage.

If he joins an MMA organization like the PFL or UFC, it could lead to a future fight against Ngannou inside a cage rather than a ring.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity, But New Paths Await

The collapse of the Francis Ngannou vs. Rico Verhoeven fight is undoubtedly a disappointment for combat sports fans. It had the potential to be one of the most unique crossover fights in history, blending the brutal power of Ngannou’s knockout ability with the precision of Verhoeven’s kickboxing mastery.

However, the unexpected UFC departure of a key figure disrupted the financial and promotional aspects of the fight, leading both fighters to pursue other opportunities.

• Ngannou’s focus now shifts toward either boxing or a possible MMA return.

• Verhoeven must decide whether to stay in GLORY or explore new challenges in MMA or boxing.

While this fight may never happen, both fighters still have exciting futures ahead. For now, fans can only wonder what could have been had this clash of titans become reality.