Dutch kickboxer Levi Rigters has announced his move to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) by signing with Levels Fight League (LFL).
The decision comes after he failed to reach an agreement for a heavyweight title fight with Glory.
The 30-year-old fighter from Abcoude previously lost a heavyweight title bout against Rico Verhoeven in December 2024.
He decided to leave kickboxing to challenge himself in the cage.
“In MMA, I found what I have been missing in kickboxing for a while,” Rigters said, according to a report by NOS.
Rigters explained that starting a new discipline brings back a sense of novelty. “New energy, learning new things.
I've been kickboxing for fifteen years, in MMA I start again from zero,” he said.
He had hoped to secure a rematch against Verhoeven, but that opportunity vanished when Verhoeven left Glory late last year.
Rigters noted that negotiations for another title fight did not succeed.
“My goal was always to take Rico's title. That didn't work out.
I would have liked to fight for the title, but I couldn't come to an agreement with Glory.
So now I'm starting a new journey, and that is the right choice,” Rigters said.
LFL Gains a Major Name
For LFL, acquiring Rigters is a significant milestone. The promotion has been actively signing prominent Dutch fighters, including former Glory lightweight champion Tyjani Beztati.
“Besides Verhoeven, Levi is the biggest combat athlete in the Netherlands.
The fact that he is now leaving kickboxing behind at the peak of his abilities and choosing us is a huge compliment,” said LFL owner Donovan Panayiotis.
The move also highlights the financial appeal of MMA, where global organizations like the UFC offer substantial earnings.
Rigters acknowledged the financial aspect while detailing his long-term aspirations.
“There is indeed more money in MMA,” Rigters said.
“Of course, I also want to go for the highest achievable goal, and then you think of the UFC.”
He sees LFL as a proven gateway to the global stage. “But I first want to have fun and get better, and then see where the ship lands.
It is true that many guys go to the UFC through LFL, so that is indeed a route I see for myself,” Rigters said.
Transitioning to MMA requires Rigters to adapt to ground fighting, including wrestling and judo. He admitted that mastering the ground game demands significant effort.
“I can do the standing part. In terms of ground game, I really had to start from zero.
It is tough, but you have to put your ego aside for a moment and start at the bottom,” Rigters said.
He added, “It's about putting in the hours and working hard.
I hope to show at the end of September, during my debut for LFL, that I am getting better and am better in MMA.”
