Pieter Buist Has A List Of Warriors He Wants To Challenge
Pieter “The Archangel” Buist has been unstoppable ever since he entered ONE Championship’s lightweight division last year, and now, he wants his shot at the top dog.
However, the surging Dutchman is willing to take on all comers to prove that he deserves it — just as he has already shown in his three hard-earned victories on the global stage.
First, “The Archangel” knocked out Kota “Kong” Shimoishi in spectacular fashion at ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT in May 2019.
Then, he defeated Antonio “Spartan” Caruso and Eduard “Landslide” Folayang in consecutive short-notice contests in October 2019 and January 2020, respectively, to break into the upper echelon of the weight class.
“Christian Lee is the World Champion now, so he is my main target, but I never look past the other opponents who are in my way,” the Breda, Netherlands native says.
“I really don’t care who it is, when it is, or where it is. Just give me a time and date, and I will be there. I proved that two times already.
“My second fight was on three weeks’ notice against an undefeated opponent, and my last fight was on two weeks’ notice against a multi-time World Champion and legend of the sport.”
- Xiong Jing Nan Wants To Knock Out Tiffany Teo Again
- Amir Khan Welcomes Challenges From 3 Top Lightweights
- Keanu Subba Eager To Challenge A Former ONE World Champion
Because of his sensational eight-bout win streak and most recent performances in The Home Of Martial Arts, Buist finds himself at the number three spot in the lightweight division’s rankings. He believes he could rise even higher if he beats some other top contenders.
“I am in a really stacked division, so there are a lot of opponents on the list I have to defeat like Shinya Aoki, ‘Dagi’ [Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev], Eddie Alvarez, and a couple more,” he offers.
Another name fans have thrown in “The Archangel’s” direction is “Super” Sage Northcutt, with the American star looking for a 2020 return.
Northcutt decided to move down a weight class following his promotional debut at welterweight last year, and a clash with the Texas native is something the Dutchman would welcome, too.
“A lot of people are mentioning him, so that would be a good, high-profile match,” the 32-year-old adds. “It’s a fight that would sell a lot of tickets and [bring in] a lot of viewers.”
Although he respects the strength of his peers inside the Circle, Buist is confident in his ability to take them out to prime himself for a shot at the gold.
The Breda resident is a threat in every area of the game, which is reflected by his 17-4 professional mixed martial arts record.
He possesses potent striking, dangerous submissions, and, he believes, the martial arts IQ to adapt and overcome difficult situations.
“They all have two arms, two legs, and one head, and they are not God of Jesus Christ, so I can defeat them,” he adds.
“I will have three rounds to find a way to do it — sometimes, five rounds — and I always find a way.”
No matter who he has to get through, Lee is still at the top of his list.
The Combat Brothers representative thinks it is only a matter of time until he gets his opportunity to challenge the reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion for the gold.
When “The Archangel” gets his chance, he guarantees fireworks. But also, he promises he will leave the Circle with his hand raised and the belt around his waist.
“I want the champion. I’m gunning for the champion. That’s who I want and that’s who I feel I deserve,” he asserts.
“It would be a battle for the ages, [but it would go] in my benefit. We are both well-rounded, but I know I have more overall skills. Trust me, Lee is a true champion. I don’t underestimate him, but I know I will beat him.”
Read more: Throwback Thursday: The Job That Changed Pieter Buist’s Life
