Legendary Semmy Schilt labels ‘emotionless’ GOAT his toughest MMA rival

Schilt was always going to be known for his kickboxing career, but he also made a mark with 41 professional MMA fights.

When asked about his toughest opponent, the former UFC and Pride veteran, who fought champions like Josh Barnett and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, gave a clear answer.

“The toughest guy in MMA was Fedor Emelianenko. He was a really, really tough guy. I did some damage with him. He was coming from Rings at that time. It was his first fight in Pride, I think. It was a really tough fight.”

Emelianenko’s victory over Schilt marked the start of an incredible streak. From there, he went on to beat Kevin Randleman, Mark Coleman, Mirko Cro Cop and many others as part of a 10-year undefeated run.

According to Schilt, ‘The Last Emperor’ was dialled in from the very beginning and even though he could not stop the Russian’s takedowns, he managed to hold his own on the mat.

“He’s got no emotions. This is what I also wanted always, you know. I don’t want to show emotion in the ring. I just want to be calm and I want to have my goal, I just want to go for that. Fedor has that too. I remember I could not really hit him and then he got close to me really fast.

“Now, from the ground position, my ground work was not always the best. My takedown defense was not the best; I can admit that, b ut on the ground he could not damage me really… I think I had the first fight where he fought until the end, it was a decision.

“It was not a knockout and after that, he got ‘easier’ fights. Not easier fights but he won by knockout. So, he couldn’t knock me out so for me, that was a good thing but of course, I remember he was a tough fighter.”

Semmy Schilt reveals toughest opponent he faced in kickboxing

Semmy Schilt identified Peter Aerts as his toughest kickboxing opponent, while he labelled Badr Hari as the most unpredictable.

Interestingly, Ernesto Hoost – despite never managing a win over Schilt – also named Aerts as his hardest fight, citing Aerts’ relentless drive and willingness to push for victory every time they met.

“If I look at K-1, always a tough opponent was Peter Aerts. He was always a tough opponent. He was always willing to fight and never give up.”