Peter Aerts v. Mike Bernardo I Fight Video

After an off week with few fight videos (sorry guys!) we are back this week with a slightly different approach to the daily fights.  Keep checking in all week as we look at one of the most legendary feuds in early K-1 history - Peter Aerts v. Mike Bernardo.  From 1995-1998, these two rivals met in the ring 6 times, and the results were some of the most action packed, KO-heavy fights the sport has seen.

Today, we start at the beginning: December 9, 1995 and an event known as K-1 Hercules.  Set up as a year end super card, Hercules featured a number of big superfights (including a rare kickboxing appearance from Pedro Rizzo), and was to be headlined by Aerts v. Bernardo. 

For Bernardo, this fight represented the culmination of a huge year.  Making his K-1 debut at the start of 95, Bernardo immediately made a huge impact, defeating the legendary Andy Hug to qualify for the 95 Grand Prix.  There, Bernardo made the semi-finals before losing to another new K-1 name in Jerome Le Banner.  Bernardo bounced back with another impressive showing against Hug, this time KO-ing him in 2 rounds.  In only 1 year, Bernardo had built up a 3-1 K-1 record against top level names, and earned himself a reputation as a heavy handed, aggressive, dangerous striker.

Despite all this, Peter Aerts had to be seen as the favorite.  Coming in on an incredible 2 year, 15+ fight win streak, Aerts was, with all apologies to Stan Longinidis, The Man in K-1.  He was the two-time K-1 GP champion and the clear front man of the company.  At just 25 years of age, Aerts already had combined knock out power and aggression with a veteran's tactical know-how.  He could brawl with Le Banner or engage in a technical war with Hoost and win against both. 

Still, Bernardo had pulled off the upset twice before against Hug.  As the main event started, fans had to ask - would this be the man to finally topple Aerts?

It took Aerts just 40 seconds, a handful of strikes, and one impeccably placed right hand to remind everyone why he was the champ.  Afterwards, a visibly upset Bernardo looks on, stunned that it could have ended so quickly.  Little did he know, this was far from the end.

Check back tomorrow for fight #2.