Peter Aerts appreciation thread

Before I was an MMA fan, I had found K-1 about 10 years ago while watching Eurosport in the evenings. My first event I ever saw was the K-1 2001 GP Finals where Mark Hunt overcoming insane odds to become the only non European to ever win the K-1 World GP.

While watching  K-1 events I came upon Peter Aerts a normal looking guy that would come out and bring the fight every time to the guy beating the best kickboxers in history and becoming in my opinion the best kickboxer to ever compete in K-1 (many will argue the late Andy Hug and I completely understand). Aerts beat the likes of Schilt (3-2 out of 5), Hug(2-2), Bonjasky (1-0), Le Banner (3-1) and Ignashov (1-1). He also is the 3 time K-1 World GP champion, 3 time runner up and 2 time 3rd place fighter. He's been fighting since he was 16 professionally though his records only go back to 1988.

I would say the fight that I personifies what makes Peter Aerts so awesome is his fight with Semmy Schilt in the 2010 K-1 GP. Aerts coming into the GP shortly after turning 40 years old defeating Mighty Mo by KO (punches and kick) in the first round of match ups while Schilt had blown by Kyotaro in a 3 round decesion. With Schilt the heavy favorite, expected to meet the other heavy favorite Alistair Overeem in the finals, Aerts comes out to prove that you should never assume him to be out of a fight. Semmy Schilt is 6ft 11.5 in with an 88 inch reach and Aerts is 6ft 4inches (no reach recorded)

For you viewing pleasure I present Peter Aerts (103-28) vs Semmy Schilt (38-6 losses kickboxing) in the semifinals of the K-1 2010 GP Finals. This fight gave me huge respect for The Voice as a commentator. Honestly please watch the entire fight, it becomes freaking insane. If you impatient watch the 3rd round.

By the way. Aerts is the only person to ever knock Schilt out of the K-1 World GP.

Bonus video:
Peter Aerts highlight (sorry for the music)

Man, Peter Aerts was da ****** bomb, I love that guy, all of his fights were amazing, he has some amazing KO's and get KO'd pretty bad too. K-1 was the best!

Also for those who are Aerts or kickboxing fans. K-1 has their own channel on youtube, where they post a crap ton of fights.

thanks for the info Wish, I'm definitely checking that out