K-1 Grand Prix 2010 Semi-Final – Peter Aerts vs Semmy Schilt

When I think of the great gutsy performances in combat sports, this might be my favorite one of the last few years. Peter Aerts had just turned 40 years old the month before, and he had suffered a bad knock out loss to Kyotaro earlier that year. But Aerts started off the night good, he knocked out Mighty Mo in under 3 minutes. But now he was fighting against Semmy Schilt, the 4 time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. While Aerts had gotten the better of Schilt before, even two years prior to this, it seemed as if Aerts just wasn’t at this level anymore. But look how aggressive Aerts is, going forward trying to land power shots and snapping leg kicks. He just doesn’t give up or back down, trying his best to take the fight right to Schilt. Schilt tries to use his long reach to keep Aerts away.

The final round of this fight is pretty amazing. It’s so gutsy, pure heart and determination on the part of Aerts. It’s fantastic that Aerts had this one last great performance to give us before he retires on Saturday afternoon on June 30, 2012. It’s been a legendary career for “The Lumberjack”.