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Nickname “Mr. Perfect”

Ernesto Hoost is a Dutch professional kickboxer and a four-time K-1 World Champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. He made his debut in 1993 at the K-1 World Grand Prix, coming just one win short of the world title. Thirteen years later, on December 2, 2006, Hoost announced his retirement following the K-1 World GP Final tournament in the Tokyo Dome, Japan.

Hoost holds notable victories over fighters such as Peter Aerts (4 times), Branko Cikatić, Mirko Cro Cop (3 times), Jérôme Le Banner (3 times), Andy Hug (3 times), Ray Sefo (3 times), Musashi (2 times), Mike Bernardo, Francisco Filho (2 times), Sam Greco, Stefan Leko (3 times), Mark Hunt, Cyril Abidi, and Glaube Feitosa.

He is also well known for training “Knees of Fury” fighter Paul Slowinski, who won the K-1 tournament in 2007 in Amsterdam under Hoost’s guidance. Additionally, Hoost has trained in leg strikes, wrestling, and other skills with PRIDE champion Fedor Emelianenko.

Ernesto Hoost is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time. While he may not have had the sheer physicality of other heavyweights, he excelled through superior speed, accuracy, devastating combinations, and tactical brilliance. His nickname “Mr. Perfect” came from his ability to throw complex combinations with machine-like precision. Hoost’s most feared strike was his signature low kick, which he used at the end of his combinations to cripple his opponents. This technique allowed him to defeat top competitors such as Ray Sefo, Mirko Cro Cop, and Igor Vovchanchyn. Known for his strong countering game and high defensive acumen, Hoost could survive against more powerful fighters, although he notably struggled (and lost twice) against the 350-pound Bob Sapp.