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In an interview sure to raise some eyebrows, legendary trainer Thom Harinck told Fightnewz.net that Peter Aerts may still compete in the Final 8 on December 5. According to Harinck, he has been contacted by K-1 and told that one of the final 8 competitors may not be able to take part in the event.  If that is the case, Aerts has been told that he will be called up as a replacement, with Hesdy Gerges stepping in to take Aerts's reserve fight with Gokhan Saki.

The idea of using Aerts as a replacement should one be needed is no surprise, but the obvious question is, who might be dropping out?  Smart money would be on Ruslan Karaev, who suffered a serious defeat against Gerges last month and may not be fully recovered in time.Harinck also thinks it could be Jerome Le Banner, who has not been training with him for the finals, nor returning his calls. 

Obviously, until this is announced it's all speculation, but the fact that K-1 has contacted Harinck means this is more than just a wild shot in the dark.  And while of course you never want to see a fighter go down with injury, I can't deny that I want to see Aerts in the Final 8.