SPECIAL EPISODE: Does Kickboxing NEED Rico Verhoeven and Badr Hari?

Rico Verhoeven and Badr Hari are THE biggest stars in kickboxing right now. With them at the tail end of their careers I asked myself: “How does the kickboxing landscape look like after Rico and Badr inevitably retire?” Who will follow in their footsteps? But wait, why are there just two big kickboxing superstars? With Rico and Badr on their way out, kickboxing is in dire need of new superstars. But how are superstars built? 🤔Wow! 🤩 This is my 100th video on the channel! Can’t express my gratitude of your support during the years. I appreciate each and every one of you who followed me on my journey as a guy who talks about kickboxing and spends way too much time editing these video’s. MASSIVE THANK YOU! ☺️If you like this video, I appreciate if you like & subscribe.► Check out my clips channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKickboxingNerdClips Timestamps0:00 - The most important fight in modern kickboxing history2:58 - History of the Heavyweight division4:58 - Comparing Rico Verhoeven with K-1 legends5:47 - The decline of heavyweight kickboxing (?)7:13 - Stars regardless of weight class (Tenshin Nasukawa vs Takeru)7:52 - Why kickboxing still feels like a niche8:34 - The future of kickboxing after Rico and Badr retire9:06 - Storytelling is everything11:09 - Make the fans care#ricoverhoeven #badrhari #kickboxing #glorykickboxing #k1 #combatsportsSupport the showI am The Kickboxing Nerd.If you like this episode, I appreciate if you like & subscribe to my Youtube channel.► Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekickboxingnerd► Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekickboxingnerd/► Check out my clips channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKickboxingNerdClips