Semmy Schilt is generally considered one of the greatest kickboxers of all time.
In recent times, a former opponent of his and colleague -legendary hunter, Ernesto Hoost, mentioned the toughest opponent in his iconic career.
Although Hoost may have mentioned various MMA hunters in his combat sport Mount Rushmore, Schilt is an elite hunter who tested himself in both disciplines.
The towering Dutch striker competed in both the UFC and Pride next to his kickboxing career.
With a few legendary opponents to choose from, 'HightTower' was recently mentioned which Fighter was the most difficult batter he encountered.
Semmy Schilt watches while working with Senshi. Credit: Senshi
Semmy Schilt names Alexey Ignashov as the most difficult batter he had confronted in his career
In his MMA career alone, after he had fought Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett, Semmy Schilt bumped into some heavy batters.
When you extend this question to his recordhold-kickboxing career, where he remains the only hunter who has won five large heavyweight tournaments, there are some devastating KO artists to choose from.
Alexey Ignashov may not be an opponent who immediately comes to mind, but if you look at some of the iconic hunters that he could beat and finish, it makes sense why he would be Schilt's choice.
'The Red Scorpion' was mainly feared for his knee attacks, who happened to be in the wrong end when they first collided in 2004 in which the Dutchman was completed in the first round.
“Hardest Slagman. Look, Alexey Ignashov, he took me out once,” Schilt Schilden told Bloody Elbow in an exclusive interview. “So maybe that's the most difficult batter, but I think I'm in training where I have the most hits … Sometimes you think it's hard, it's not difficult. You think it's hard and you have to get used to it.
“So, if someone like Ray Sefo gives you a very hard right hand if he gives you a nice link, it is of course difficult. But it is human, so you have to get used to it. You have to get used to seeing the blow.”
Semmy Schilt remembers that he lost his memory after he was eliminated by Alexey Ignashov
While Semmy Schilt would eventually go to take revenge on Alexey Ignashov by beating him in their Rematch 2009, he can still remember the aftermath of his knockout loss for 'The Red Scorpion'.
He told Bloody Elbow about what the experience was like and how that knee reminded his memory of the fight.
Schilt only once suffered another knockout loss in kickboxing, who came in 2009 to Badr Hari.
“I know I got up with Ignashov, I didn't fight, but I got up and in the dressing room, I still didn't know what was happening. My trainer wanted to take off my gloves and I said to him:” Hey, why are you taking my gloves off? “I said,” What's ready? ”
Schilt is now ready to join forces with people like Ernesto Hoost when he helps on 13 September to put Senshi's first heavyweight Grand Prix together.