Kempo Chris
12-03-2003, 02:22 PM
From K-1's official site
TOKYO, December 3, 2003 -- Three-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion Peter Aerts said today that after fighting in the World GP Final this weekend, he will pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). The 33 year-old fan favorite, widely known as "The Dutch Lumberjack" for his ability to cut down his opponents with low kicks, made the announcement in an interview at the Tokyo 's New Takanawa Prince Hotel.
Peter, have you been training since you got to Japan ?
"Yes, I've been training at the Seidokaikan dojo in Nagoya , I feel very confident."
How do you feel about your first bout opponent Alexey Ignashov?
"He's one of the best I think, the first fight will be the hardest. But I trained very hard and I'm going to beat him."
Do you have any special technique prepared for him?
"We'll see."
Can you say if you will focus on punching, or kicking?
"It could be anything."
How do you feel about Francis Botha?
"I don't think he will come through to the final, but I hope he will come though, because then I can give him a few kicks that I think he's not used to! His first fight will be difficult against Abidi."
Do you think the young K-1 fighters will take over this year?
"I've heard this question for 4 years already (laughs), I don't mind, you can't go on forever.
Anyway, I have more experience, I have the heart."
Is there a particularly tough opponent for you in this final eight?
"I don't look so much at other fighters, I always look to myself, I fight for myself. I'm confident I'll win this. But then, after, in my future I want to concentrate on MMA."
Are you going to give up K-1 after the Final?
"Well, I think I will probably fight in K-1 as well, but I want to focus on MMA."
Why MMA?
"It's a new world, it's a totally different experience. I have been fighting 18 years in kickboxing and K-1, so now I want to do something different."
What is your plan for MMA?
"I want to control the sort of MMA fights I do at first, I need one or two years before I might go for a title. Of course, it all depends on how its going, it's a difficult sport."
How are you preparing for MMA?
"I'm working with lots of people, concentrating on the wrestling now, but for me the most important thing is to learn to stay off the ground!"
In K-1, Ernesto Hoost is the only Four-time World GP Champion. You will tie him if you win this weekend.
"Yes, that's true but for me the money is more important! I have two children now, and when I have money they can have a good life, that is more important than my career achievements. That's why I want to win, but, sure, I also want to win a fourth Championship!"
TOKYO, December 3, 2003 -- Three-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion Peter Aerts said today that after fighting in the World GP Final this weekend, he will pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). The 33 year-old fan favorite, widely known as "The Dutch Lumberjack" for his ability to cut down his opponents with low kicks, made the announcement in an interview at the Tokyo 's New Takanawa Prince Hotel.
Peter, have you been training since you got to Japan ?
"Yes, I've been training at the Seidokaikan dojo in Nagoya , I feel very confident."
How do you feel about your first bout opponent Alexey Ignashov?
"He's one of the best I think, the first fight will be the hardest. But I trained very hard and I'm going to beat him."
Do you have any special technique prepared for him?
"We'll see."
Can you say if you will focus on punching, or kicking?
"It could be anything."
How do you feel about Francis Botha?
"I don't think he will come through to the final, but I hope he will come though, because then I can give him a few kicks that I think he's not used to! His first fight will be difficult against Abidi."
Do you think the young K-1 fighters will take over this year?
"I've heard this question for 4 years already (laughs), I don't mind, you can't go on forever.
Anyway, I have more experience, I have the heart."
Is there a particularly tough opponent for you in this final eight?
"I don't look so much at other fighters, I always look to myself, I fight for myself. I'm confident I'll win this. But then, after, in my future I want to concentrate on MMA."
Are you going to give up K-1 after the Final?
"Well, I think I will probably fight in K-1 as well, but I want to focus on MMA."
Why MMA?
"It's a new world, it's a totally different experience. I have been fighting 18 years in kickboxing and K-1, so now I want to do something different."
What is your plan for MMA?
"I want to control the sort of MMA fights I do at first, I need one or two years before I might go for a title. Of course, it all depends on how its going, it's a difficult sport."
How are you preparing for MMA?
"I'm working with lots of people, concentrating on the wrestling now, but for me the most important thing is to learn to stay off the ground!"
In K-1, Ernesto Hoost is the only Four-time World GP Champion. You will tie him if you win this weekend.
"Yes, that's true but for me the money is more important! I have two children now, and when I have money they can have a good life, that is more important than my career achievements. That's why I want to win, but, sure, I also want to win a fourth Championship!"