Ex-WWE tag champ Gzim Selmani reveals why he cut viral BKFC post-fight promo — and it has to do with Rico Verhoeven

Gzim Selmani, known to wrestling fans as one half of the dominant Authors of Pain, has shed light on the motivation behind his explosive post-fight speech in BKFC. Following his departure from WWE, Selmani returned to the combat sports arena by signing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. However, his immediate focus wasn't solely on his new promotion; he harboured ambitions of a high-profile kickboxing bout.

Selmani's history in combat sports includes a stint in GLORY, where he competed in the heavyweight division. During that period, he was on a collision course with, and had expressed interest in facing, the division's dominant force, Rico Verhoeven. After leaving WWE, Selmani saw an opportunity to reignite this potential superfight, using his BKFC platform to draw attention to his desire to face Verhoeven in a kickboxing ruleset.

This move highlights a common narrative in combat sports where athletes leverage different disciplines and promotions to pursue marquee matchups. For Selmani, it represents a strategic attempt to re-establish himself as a top-tier heavyweight contender in kickboxing, a division currently ruled by Verhoeven. The challenge also serves as a statement of intent, signalling that despite his foray into professional wrestling, his primary focus remains on challenging the sport's elite.

Fans of GLORY and heavyweight kickboxing will be watching to see if Verhoeven responds to Selmani's call-out. A bout between the two would pit a seasoned wrestling powerhouse with combat sports experience against one of the most decorated kickboxers of the modern era.