With a right high kick to the temple, Bigfoot Silva was dispatched in Guangzou, China early this morning.
Rico is the current heavyweight champion of the GLORY kickboxing organization. He is a stellar technical fighter with the power and capability of putting anyone out. His impressive clinic upon the former mixed martial arts contender Antonio Silva put him right in the running to redeem one of his most vicious losses, a corner stoppage to Jaamal Ben Saadik in 2011.
This fight really does feel like ages ago, and Rico has jumped many leaps and bounds that Jaamal has not since that time...but it is always interesting to see a champion take on a former foe at his peak. From Schilt to Badr Hari, Rico has faced them all and taken his wins and losses as the Prince of Kickboxing...but now he is the King. I don't think anyone will ever topple the feats that Semmy Schilt conquered in his incredible career, but Rico may come close if he can keep staying in the win column.
I am excited for this rematch, and I expect a much different result altogether. A lot of people do not like Rico's style of fighting as he is a massively powerful individual, but prefers the technical and more 'safe' game. It has been admitted by Dutch legend Alistair Overeem that Rico is now more famous and popular than him in the Netherlands, and I do not doubt it. Respect much be given to those who have earned their way to the top...and we are watching history unfold with the rise of Rico!