Dutch Gyms

Last Night I was over a friends house watching UFC 65. It was really, really great seeing Matt Hughes get schooled. Go GSP! Anyway, one of the under card fights demonstrated why Dutch fighters scare me…the leg kick. Antoni Hardonk from the Vos Gym in Holland vs. Sherman Pendergarst yet another Miletich Fighter. So what’s the deal with the Miletich fighting system? I’m sure it’s great, but I think they should start training Muay Thai. Not “kickboxing”, but real deal Muay Thai.

I’ve looked on the Miletich fighting systems page, and it mentions that Pat has a “US Muay Thai Kickboxing Title”. I don’t know… but I think they need to get a Muay Thai specialist in their camp ASAP. I haven’t been paying too close attention to the UFC, but it seems his fighters are notoriously bad at defending against Muay Thai attacks.

1. There is Robbie Lawler who had to quit, because he couldn’t figure out how to turn his leg in. (UFC 42)
2. You’ve got Matt Hughes who kept pretending he was getting kicked in the nads, when all he was clearly trying to do was neutralize GSP’s inside kick.
3. There is Rich Franklin who can’t defend against a Muay Thai clinch.
4. Tim Silvia, who’s legs would snap if ever kicked by the likes of a Cro Cop.
5. Then last night I watched as Sherman Pendergarst was cut down by 3 monstrous leg kicks from Antoni Hardonk.

In his Sherman’s defense though, even if he could have blocked Hardonk’s kicks it would have only been a round or so before his leg was rendered useless. Hardonk is said to have about 15 years Muay Thai experience.

It was beautiful to see those sweeping nerve crushing leg kicks ala, Hoost, Bonjansky et al. I know Muay Thai has been popular in the Netherlands for decades. I’m convinced that the Muay Thai scene in Holland is far more competitive then it is here in the US. I’m really curious about Dutch training. If anyone knows I would love to know.

I found this video of the Vos Gym and Mejiro Gym in Holland. Dang I thought my Gym was small… they’ve got them packed in.