When it comes to picking a Mount Rushmore of fighters, Ernesto Hoost might be a name that works its way into some people’s lists.
The four-time K-1 world champion is widely considered to be one of the greatest kickboxers of all time.
You don’t reach that level without coming across some fellow legends, with Hoost recently naming his toughest opponent.
‘Mr. Perfect’ competed in an era of kickboxing that produced several Mount Rushmore worthy fighters.
After naming the one legend that Hoost wishes he could have faced during his career, the Dutch icon provided his own list of his personal four all-time greats.
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Ernesto Hoost puts Jon Jones and Anderson Silva in contention to make his Mount Rushmore of fighters
Despite being a kickboxing legend, the first pick for Ernesto Hoost’s combat sports Mount Rushmore came from a different discipline.
Jack Johnson might not be a name that appears often on these lists but when it comes down to the impact that a fighter had in their careers, he has to be in contention.
“I like boxing a lot, so there would be Jack Johnson because he was the first black heavyweight who was world champion in a period where you could be killed for being black and being a good fighter. So that will be my first one,” Hoost told Bloody Elbow in an exclusive interview.
Hoost stuck with his love of boxing for his second selection, naming the man that comes to mind for most people when you throw around the greatest of all time tag.
“The second one would be Muhammad Ali because of legacy he created, not just for himself but for the sport also I think.”
MMA came into the equation for the third head on Mount Rushmore where similar to Ali, for many people, there is one name that will instantly jump to the forefront.
Hoost did speak about his admiration for Jon Jones’ career, though he did also offer up another legendary former UFC champion as an alternate pick.
“The third, I’m still a big fan of Jon Jones. For me, he’s a legend. He did some stupid things, that’s too bad for him and too bad for the sport also. But still, for me, he’s a fighter who has to be there. Anderson Silva also.”
Finally, ‘Mr. Perfect’ came around to kickboxing where after some initial contemplation, he singled out a Dutch legend that he got to face in his career.
“At the last, shall I put myself? There are so many good kickboxers who inspired me. Rob Kaman for example, I lost to him twice before my prime. Let me put Rob Kaman.”
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Ernesto Hoost names Jon Jones and the ‘King of Kickboxing’ in his list of fighters he likes watching
Separate from his combat sports Mount Rushmore, Ernesto Hoost also put together a list of fighters that he likes watching or has a lot of respect for.
Hoost openly admitted that he isn’t a huge fan of current kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven’s style but he has still enjoyed watching what he’s been able to accomplish.
The Dutch legend then went back to the likes of Jon Jones, himself and the man that he named as his toughest opponent when speaking about his favorites to watch.
“I love Jon Jones, although he did some stupid things sometimes, but still. As a fighter, he’s just one of the best ever. Anderson Silva. If I put one more kickboxer, I think Peter Aerts and maybe I can put myself too.”
After fans watched Hoost achieve incredible success in tournaments for years, he’s now set to play a part in SENSHI’s first heavyweight Grand Prix on September 13.