Rico Verhoeven, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers in history, has maintained a tight-knit circle of training partners that includes UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall. Over the past few years, Aspinall has played a significant role in Verhoeven’s preparation for fights, and they have consistently supported each other, even as Aspinall awaits the chance to face Jon Jones in a highly anticipated heavyweight bout.
Despite never competing in MMA, Verhoeven often praises Aspinall for his contributions during training camps and reciprocates by assisting Aspinall whenever needed. Most recently, Aspinall helped Verhoeven prepare to defend his GLORY heavyweight title against Artem Vakhitov in the Netherlands, highlighting their mutual commitment amid separate professional paths.
Verhoeven describes their relationship as a brotherhood
Verhoeven emphasizes that his team’s tight dynamic goes beyond just professional connections, describing it as a brotherhood built on trust and loyalty. He compares it to the familial bonds seen in other combat circles like those involving Hughie Fury and Peter Fury.
“I understand for other people, he’s Tom Aspinall! For me, he’s just Tom. He’s my brother. He’s my friend. I appreciate and I love him. He’s the best, the sweetest and the kindest guy. He’s so humble. So warmhearted and the only thing you can be thankful. Thankful that you have these people in your life and that are always open to help you. That’s that.”
—Rico Verhoeven
This mutual support system means even when one fighter doesn’t have an upcoming fight, they are readily available to help prepare their teammates in any way possible.
The anticipation surrounding the Tom Aspinall vs Jon Jones potential fight
While Verhoeven focuses on defending his GLORY title, Aspinall remains in a holding pattern, waiting for the UFC to finalize a deal for a showdown with Jon Jones. UFC president Dana White has expressed confidence that this major heavyweight contest will be scheduled before the year concludes, though official confirmation has yet to be announced.
Verhoeven is eager for the fight to happen and has pledged to support Aspinall in training for what he sees as a defining clash against one of MMA’s most decorated champions.
Verhoeven’s strong prediction: Aspinall will dominate Jon Jones
Verhoeven delivers a bold forecast about the outcome of a potential Aspinall vs. Jones matchup, insisting that Aspinall has the dominant skills necessary to hand Jones his first true defeat.
“He’s going to wipe the floor with Jon Jones,”
Verhoeven said.
“Jon Jones doesn’t have a chance versus Tom Aspinall. Mark my words. Tom Aspinall is a freaking monster. On his feet and on the ground.”
—Rico Verhoeven
He elaborated on Aspinall’s unique abilities, particularly highlighting how Jones has never encountered an opponent with such refined stand-up striking skills.
“I truly believe Jon Jones has never faced somebody that is that good on his feet. On the ground, he’s faced some guys that are pretty good. But on the feet, I think Tom, he would even do good in the kickboxing ring. He would be a top competitor to fight me as well. So I love it.”
—Rico Verhoeven
What makes Aspinall’s style a challenge even for a champion kickboxer
Verhoeven credits Aspinall’s unorthodox approach as a key factor in his effectiveness during training and competition. Unlike traditional kickboxers, Aspinall’s MMA striking style includes awkward, less predictable elements that make him difficult to prepare for, even for elite fighters.
“In the right way without my words being twisted, he’s awkward,”
Verhoeven explained.
“Because he’s not a kickboxer, he doesn’t come with standard kickboxing combinations and that makes it difficult. That’s what I mean he’s awkward in a good way. That makes it challenging.”
—Rico Verhoeven
Additionally, Verhoeven praised Aspinall’s intelligence and explosiveness in the cage.
“He’s explosive and he’s smart and his fight IQ is high. That’s why I always love to have him over and work with him.”
—Rico Verhoeven
Verhoeven’s milestone and lasting reign as GLORY heavyweight champion
While Aspinall establishes himself as a rising force in UFC heavyweight competition, Verhoeven recently marked a staggering milestone by surpassing 4,000 days as GLORY’s heavyweight champion. The lengthy title hold has left Verhoeven amazed at his own durability at the top of the sport.
“It’s a long, long ass time,”
Verhoeven said with a laugh.
“I was also blown away. When you’re in it, it just flows but 4,000 days. Wow, what an accomplishment.”
—Rico Verhoeven
He attributes his longevity to a relentless desire to improve and be self-critical, consistently striving to become a better version of himself over time.
“For me, it’s just trying to the best version of me every time and be my own biggest critic,”
Verhoeven said.
“Everybody knows, that’s what the whole team does. It’s how we look at the whole fighting game. We just want to improve. We just want to get better. There’s always room to improve.”
—Rico Verhoeven
He noted that this mindset has allowed him to continue growing and performing at an elite level for well over a decade.
“If you keep thinking that, if you keep minding that, if you keep focusing on that specific part, you keep growing, you keep getting better and one day you’re 4,000 days further.”
—Rico Verhoeven
Verhoeven’s pursuit of greatness fueled by passion and humility
As he prepares to add another title defense against Artem Vakhitov to his resume, Verhoeven remains focused on performing with passion rather than seeking external labels.
“All I can do is be thankful, be grateful but like I said, it’s not up to me,”
Verhoeven stated.
“I know that what I’m doing, I’m doing with passion, I’m doing with love and I’m having fun while doing it. That’s the most important thing. The only thing you can hope for is people appreciate what you do. That’s it.”
—Rico Verhoeven
Though many consider him the greatest kickboxer ever, Verhoeven leaves that judgment to others and aims to simply entertain fans through his dedicated efforts.
“But it’s not up to me to say in my opinion, I think I’m the greatest kickboxer ever. Because everybody has different statistics or different ways to categorize their best or the greatest. It’s not up to me but the moment when people say it, it’s a huge, huge compliment. The only thing you can do is be thankful for it because what we try to do, we try to entertain people.”
—Rico Verhoeven