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Mark Hunt’s opportunity to become the first Australian-based fighter to win a UFC title has come to an abrupt end.
Fabricio Werdum earned a TKO victory in the second round, after he followed up a devastating flying knee with a barrage of unanswered punches.
Hunt made his presence known early in the fight as he dropped Werdum with a massive overhand right one minute into the first round.
Hunt charged straight for the wounded Brazilian and was content to keep the fight going on the ground, unphased by his world-class jiu-jitsu game.
Werdum worked an active guard, but Hunt was able to defend his submission attempts and initiate some solid ground-and-pound. Once the fighters returned to their feet, Hunt stunned Werdum once again, this time with a perfectly placed uppercut.
In between rounds, Werdum’s corner was concerned that he was content to play into Hunt’s slow-paced striking game by standing in front of him. In the second, ‘Val Cavalo’ soundly responded to his corner’s advice, leaping through the air and catching Hunt off guard with a devastating flying knee.
The highlight real technique took out the New Zealand native’s equilibrium and sent him crumbling to the mat. Werdum followed up with a barrage of hammerfists and referee Herb Dean was forced to call a stop to the contest.
Werdum dedicated his victory to his family and teammates and praised the 40-year-old Hunt on his efforts, “He punched me very hard, but I’ve been waiting for this moment.”
Watching the bout cage-side was heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, who was sidelined from a title defence with Werdum due to injury. The two are now set to attend to their business in a title unification bout, likely in March 2015.
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