Pieter Buist, nicknamed “The Archangel, has a record of (17-4-0). He’s currently on an 8-fight win streak. The Dutch fighter isn’t a stranger to taking on the big fights in life, from growing up and dealing with homelessness, to taking on a legend of ONE Championship in, Eduard Foloyang, on 2-weeks notice. There, he ended up pulling out perhaps the biggest win of his career.

I was fortunate enough to recently, get the opportunity to chat with Pieter, and what an enjoyable experience it was.

INTERVIEW

You’re currently on an 8-fight win streak, what do you attribute to the success we’re seeing from you?

Pieter – For me, it’s a passion, a lifestyle. For example, even in these hard times, I’m training every day except for Sunday. I take my career dead serious and I truly love what I do. Even after a fight, I take 1-day rest and then back in the gym to improve. Being a religious person (I’m a Christian) helps me to always be thankful, to self-reflect, and to be humble.



Your most recent win came over the very popular Eduard Foloyang, how did it feel to go and get that win?

Pieter – Deserved & blessed especially when you know that I took the fight on 2-weeks notice, hahaha I work hard for my success and I always try to be ready for whatever.



You were the Lightweight champion at WFL but are currently fighting at welterweight for ONE Championship. Which weight do you prefer to fight at and do you plan on fighting at Lightweight for ONE?

Pieter – It’s not allowed to cut weight in ONE Championship, so the lightweight division is between 72kg and 77kg, so it’s not really welterweight. But I like the system that ONE Championship is using because a weight cut is not healthy at all, so with ONE I don’t have to cut that much, and because of that, I can fight more in a year. I’m healthier and my career will be much longer.

How did you get started in MMA what was it that inspired you to start? Did you set yourself a target to achieve when you started if so have you achieved said target?

Pieter – I grew up in a rough neighborhood in the Netherlands, one of three boys raised by a single mother. Me and my brothers were enamored with martial arts shows such as Bruce Lee films and Dragon Ball Z, inspiring me to become a martial artist myself.

I started my martial arts career with judo at the age of 6 and won a bronze medal in the European under-16 Championships. But after a few years of judo competition, I struck a deal with a local Muay Thai trainer to learn and compete in exchange for work. I soon began competing in Muay Thai nearly every weekend and had almost 100 bouts before switching my focus to mixed martial arts, which is my true passion.

I always knew I could and will be the best, that’s why I always give myself an impossible goal so that my work ethic is impossible. Always grinding in the gym but also outside the gym, and trust me, I will achieve my goals and maintain them, for a long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long time.

What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?

Pieter – Mhhhh beating the struggles, like being homeless, in-depth and having a negative future and turn them into what I have now (I’m not even close to where I want/will be), and of course beating a legend like Eduard in his hometown on 2-weeks notice.

Obviously, we’re currently in a time of uncertainty, when we come out the other side, what can we look forward to from you, is there someone you have set your sights on?

Pieter – I will be champion this year, or in 2021, depends on the situation that we have worldwide now. And it’s important for me to keep inspiring and to entertain the fans all over the world with my highlight victories.

Be sure to support Pieter’s career. Social media links below.



Twitter – @rpd_88

Instagram – pieterbuist

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