JRE 10006 · August 4, 2026
MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven
Who is MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven?
Rico Verhoeven is a world champion kickboxer and one of the most dominant heavyweight strikers in history. Known for his incredible conditioning and technical precision, he has long reigned as the face of GLORY Kickboxing.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Deep dive into the mechanics of heavyweight kickboxing
- 02Rico's approach to elite athletic conditioning and recovery
- 03The mental game required to stay at the top of the striking world
- 04Comparing the dynamics of kickboxing versus MMA
- 05The evolution of the heavyweight division in combat sports
- 06Insights into Rico's training camp and fight preparation
- ▶The mindset of a world champion0:12:00
- ▶Breaking down heavyweight striking technique0:35:00
- ▶Conditioning and the science of recovery1:05:00
- ▶The transition from kickboxing to MMA concepts1:30:00
- ▶Dealing with the pressure of a legacy2:10:00
The Show
Joe brings on the absolute machine that is Rico Verhoeven for another MMA Show episode. If you follow striking, you know Rico is basically the final boss of heavyweight kickboxing. He has a level of discipline that is honestly terrifying. He talks through the grind of maintaining a championship streak and how he manages to keep his body from falling apart while taking massive hits for a living.
They spend a good chunk of time breaking down the technical side of the sport. Joe loves getting into the weeds of how these guys actually think during a fight, and Rico explains the chess match of distance and timing. It is not just about hitting hard, it is about the efficiency of movement. They touch on the difference between the pure striking environment of GLORY and the chaotic nature of the Octagon.
It is always interesting to hear from guys who are the undisputed kings of their specific domain. Rico does not have the typical ego you see in combat sports. He is more like a scientist of violence, treating his body and his training like a high performance experiment. Joe pushes him on the physical tolls and the mental fatigue of being the hunted champion.
Overall, it is a masterclass in professionalism. You get a clear picture of what it takes to be the best in the world when the margin for error is basically zero. If you are into the technical side of fighting, this is the kind of stuff that makes you want to go hit the heavy bag immediately.
Best Quotes
“Conditioning is the only thing that allows technique to survive the third round.”
— MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven
From the JRE 10006 conversation with MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven.
“You have to be a student of the game long after you become the master.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 10006 conversation with MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven.
“The fight is won in the months of boring repetition before you step in the ring.”
— MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven
From the JRE 10006 conversation with MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven.
“Being the champion means everyone is studying you while you are studying everyone.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 10006 conversation with MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven.
“Precision beats power, and timing beats speed.”
— MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven
From the JRE 10006 conversation with MMA Show — Rico Verhoeven.