The Octagon has been graced with some high-level striking specialists that have gone on to achieve success in MMA.
While it’s not always easy for former kickboxers to make the switch and compete at a high level in the UFC, there are some shining examples.
Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira were able to continue their kickboxing rivalry in two huge fights at the top of the UFC’s middleweight division, while the likes of Stephen Thompson have produced incredible careers.
While Germaine de Randamie’s UFC career also featured some disappointing moments, she was still able to achieve a lot inside the Octagon.
Alongside her three knockout wins in the Octagon, there is one bizarre instance where ‘The Iron Lady’ was able to demonstrate just how dangerous she could be.
Germaine de Randamie viciously knocked out Belgian TV host in a fiery boxing match
In 2007, Belgian TV star Tom Waes starred in his own series where he would attempt to prepare for and complete varying challenges, titled ‘Tomtesterom’.
One episode of the series seemingly saw Waes training his boxing before stepping in to compete with Germaine de Randamie.
The boxing match took place at Slamm!!: One Night In Bangkok on October 27 in Belgium where the card also featured several other kickboxing stars like Tyrone Spong and Nieky Holzken.
‘The Iron Lady’ had already built an impressive striking record at this point in time and it paid off for her in the fight, where her opponent was clearly not concerned about causing damage to a much smaller opponent.
With Waes throwing caution to the wind and trying to unload several big shots, de Randamie covered up before unleashing a huge right hook counter that sent the TV star crashing to the canvas.
Video footage of the knockout sees the two competitors embracing and raising each other’s hands after Waes got back to his feet.
Germaine de Randamie referenced this knockout ahead of the biggest fight of her career
At UFC 208, Germaine de Randamie was set to face Holly Holm to crown the promotion’s inaugural women’s featherweight champion.
‘The Iron Lady’ would go on to win the title but before fight night, she made reference to the fact that she’s fought men in the past when speaking at a media scrum.
De Randamie was asked to provide more context on what she meant which she did so happily, recalling her memories of Slamm!!: One Night In Bangkok.
“[He had] 40 pounds [on me],” she said. “It was for boxing, it is what it is. They offered me the fight, he had three pro fights, and I’m like, let’s do it. He hit me hard. The first thing I thought when I hit him was damn, better keep my hand up.”