Ernesto Hoost - Biography

Biography

In 1993, in his first K-1 World Grand Prix, in quarterfinals Hoost defeated Peter Aerts by decision, knocked out Maurice Smith in semis and advanced to the tournament finals where he was knocked out by Branko Cikatic. Hoost got another shot at a title on December 19, 1993, when he won the K-2 World Championship, knocking out Changpuek Kiatsongrit in four rounds. This was the only time the K-1 organization held a K-2 tournament.

Hoost reached the K-1 World Grand Prix Finals again in 1995, but lost to Peter Aerts by a four round decision. He went on to win every fight the remainder of that year. In 1996, he lost at the K-1 World Grand Prix 1996 finals to Andy Hug by a four round split decision. He finally became K-1 World Champion in 1997 when he beat Hug by a three-round unanimous decision.

Hoost was unable to defend his title at the K-1 World Grand Prix 1998 tournament, being technically knocked out in the quarterfinals by Australian Sam Greco due to being unable to start the 3rd round after a cut above his left eye; he was mostly dominated in the fight by Greco, the latter however suffered a cracked left ankle for his troubles.

In 1999, Hoost won his second K-1 World Grand Prix title, beating Mirko Filipović by technical knockout in the third round. On April 23, 2000 he avenged his loss to Greco when he beat him by a technical knockout.

Hoost retained the K-1 World Grand Prix Championship title for third time in 2000 by defeating Ray Sefo. By then, many K-1 fans were hoping for a meeting between Hoost and Bob Sapp. Hoost returned to defend his crown in 2001 defeating Stefan Leko. However, he was forced to retire from the tournament due to an injured shin before the semi-finals.

The highly anticipated fight with Bob Sapp came at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Final Elimination. Sapp won by a first round knockout after the doctor stopped the match on cuts. Despite the loss he was again matched up with Sapp in the quarter finals of the K-1 World Grand Prix 2002. After knocking Sapp down in first round, Hoost lost to Sapp again in a wild slugfest when referee Nobuhiko Takada declared a KO while Hoost was still standing.

After the fight however, Sapp had broken his hand and suffered four cracked ribs and wasn't able to continue, allowing Hoost to replace him in the semi-finals. Hoost beat Ray Sefo in first round by TKO, after Sefo damaged his shin against Hoost's kneecap. Hoost proceeded to his fifth K-1 Finals, and was matched up against Jerome Le Banner. The fight was competitive up until the third and final round when Le Banner injured his arm blocking Hoost's kick. Hoost aggressively attacked the arm, forcing Le Banner down twice more, winning by TKO and his fourth Grand Prix Championship. Le Banner suffered a severe compound fracture, putting him out of competition for over a year.

In addition to his Grand Prix titles Ernesto Hoost fought a number of Super fights. In 2004 he was again in the K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 finals, in which he lost to the eventual Grand Prix champion Remy Bonjasky.

In 2006, Hoost declared that he would fight his last tournament in K-1. In the K-1 World Grand Prix 2006, Hoost was defeated in the semi-finals by Semmy Schilt. An emotional Hoost was met with a standing ovation from the audience as he left the arena.

Hoost, who is well known in the Netherlands, is also a celebrity in Japan, where many of his fights have taken place. He has also fought in Australia, France and the United States, among other countries.

Hoost is well known for training "Knees of Fury" fighters Paul Slowinski (whom he is currently still training). Under his guidance Slowinski has won the K-1 tournament 2007 in Amsterdam. He has also trained leg strikes, wrestling, and other skills with PRIDE Champion Fedor Emelianenko.

Hoost was also present as a cornerman for UFC fighter Antoni Hardonk in Hardonk's UFC 85 bout with Eddie Sanchez, his UFC 92 win over Mike Wessel, and his UFC 97 loss to Cheick Kongo.

Hoost currently lives in the town of Hoorn, together with his wife and children.