On December 7, 2024, the GelreDome in Arnhem will once again be the scene of the most epic kickboxing fights, with GLORY Collision 7 as the highlight of the year. This time, the long-awaited rematch between the undisputed champion Rico Verhoeven and the challenging Levi Rigters will take center stage.
The Story Behind the Rematch
Verhoeven, nicknamed 'The King of Kickboxing,' has had a near decade-long reign in the GLORY heavyweight division. With an impressive 19 consecutive victories and 11 successful title defenses, he has carved his name into kickboxing history. In March 2024, he showed his class again by defeating three top ten heavyweights to win the GLORY Grand Prix.
Still, his fight with Rigters will be fresh in the memory of many. During the Grand Prix, Rigters managed to put Verhoeven in trouble with a spectacular spinning backfist. Although Verhoeven took the victory, Rigters has now been given the chance for revenge. The Amsterdammer earned his rematch by winning the title eliminator against Bahram Rajabzadeh in September 2024.
What's at Stake?
For Verhoeven, every fight is a new test to prove his dominance. Despite having been successful against Rigters before, he acknowledges that this opponent is dangerous and has potential. "Every time it's a challenge, and I'm here to show why I'm still the king," Verhoeven said.
For Rigters this is the ultimate moment to prove that he is the future of the heavyweight division. Can he dethrone the king this time?
What Can Fans Expect?
In addition to the main attraction, the evening will be filled with other exciting fights, including a lightweight title fight between Tarik Khbabez and Donegi Abena, which promises to be an explosive trilogy.
