Introduction to European MMA: The Netherlands

Date submitted: 28 November 2006

Submitted by: Dino Fuoco

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Holland only has a population of sixteen million people but it is a real fighter factory.

Some of the world’s best Muay Thai fighters have come out of Holland. Fighters like Ramon Dekkers, Ernesto "Mr Perfect" Hoost and three times K1 Champion, Peter Aerts.

But here we will be considering a no lesser breed of Dutch fighters, the Mixed Martial Artists of Holland.

Taking in to account that most of the Dutch MMA fighters have a strong background in Muay Thai or Kickboxing, it is a paradox that two of the pioneers of Dutch MMA are ground specialists. Remco Pardoel is a UFC “Old Rules” veteran, making an appearance on UFC 2: No Way Out, and the other is top grappler, founder of Tatsujin Dojo and Shooto Holland Promoter, Martijn de Jong.

The most popular Dutch fighter is almost certainly Bas Rutten, who recently returned to the Octagon and won at World Fighting Alliance 4: King of the Streets. Bas earned his reputation in the 90’s when he was noted for winning the lion’s share of his fights in Japan, where he is a legend.

One of the biggest gyms is The Bob Schreiber Team, coached by Schreiber, an early Pride, M-1 and 2 Hot 2 Handle veteran and managed by Golden Glory’s manager Bas Boon.

Under the legendary wings of Schreiber are about twenty five professional fighters including Dave Dalgliesh, Milco Voorn and Rodney Faverus.

Another battleship is the ever popular Golden Glory Team, also managed by Bas Boon. Golden Glory is home to Pride veterans Gilbert Yvel, Semmy Schilt and MMA Universe sponsored fighter Alistair Overeem.

The latest names on the Dutch MMA scene are Melvin Manhoef and Jordan Radev. Manhoeff is a strong striker who made it to the finals of this year’s Heros Middleweight Grand Prix. Radev comes from a Wrestling background and in only three years built a professional MMA record of 10/1/0

Antoni Hardonk made his UFC debut at UFC 65: Bad Intentions, gaining a promising win. He trains at the Vos Gym, under K-1 legend Ernesto Hoost.

The biggest show in Holland is 2 Hot 2 Handle, where you can always find the top names. Every Spring/Summer “It’s Showtime” holds a mixed rules event that has had among it’s participants, Igor Vovchanchyn.

For fighters, Holland is certainly one of the best places to get top level training. Here are a few useful contacts for fans and fighters interested in finding out more on Holland’s best MMA camps.

Golden Glory
Team Schreiber
Vos Gym
Kop Sportcentrum
Team Remco Pardoel

In summary, Holland is one of the leading countries for MMA in the world. Almost every week there is a show which is building one of the fighters of the future.