Will Rico Verhoeven sign with the UFC in 2026?

Rico Verhoeven, reigning heavyweight champion of Glory, was reportedly in negotiations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship prior to the promotion’s transition to the Paramount platform. According to UFC executive Hunter Campbell, Verhoeven ultimately declined to sign and instead opted to pursue opportunities in boxing. His decision has fueled speculation about a potential crossover bout, including a possible heavyweight boxing clash with Oleksandr Usyk. The key uncertainty is whether Verhoeven’s move away from the UFC was definitive or whether renewed negotiations could bring him into MMA’s top promotion within the year.