It was the do or die match for heavyweight fighter Mark Hunt. A defeat by Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 in Denver, Colorado over the weekend could have potentially seen his contract torn up by the higher powers of the UFC. Luckily for the Super Samoan this was not to be his fate.
Let it be known that I have an enormous amount of respect for Hunt. I have followed the progress of his career over the last few years so it would have not come as a surprise that I, like many others had my money on the Super Samoan for a KO.
Although Hunt fights out of Sydney, Australia I did not back him out of patriotism rather because I wholeheartedly believed in his abilities to deliver.
While Hunt’s win over Rothwell was a convincing one, I couldn’t help but feel a little short-changed after the match.
What is my qualm, you ask?
Before I go on to explain, please note that I am not taking away anything from Hunt’s win. He fought his heart out, putting up one hell of a gutsy performance and he was most certainly the deserved winner.
It was one point in particular that had me at the edge of my seat screaming at the television – screaming out of somewhere in between disappointment, confusion and disbelief.
That point was half way through the third round where Hunt landed a massive right hand on Rothwell and walked away thinking that was the end of the fight. To Hunt’s amazement Rothwell somehow found it in himself to remain standing on jelly legs.
Hunt stood there with hands on hips, surprised at the punishment that Rothwell had absorbed.
That body language right there, to me, was the moment he gave up the fight.
So my question is, why didn’t the Super Samoan pounce on Rothwell full knowing that he was rattled and debatably at his most vulnerable?
If you are wondering if I have taken the altitude factor in into consideration, I have. There is no doubt in my mind that both fighters were immensely fatigued affected by the altitude.
It was clear that Rothwell was in a much worse state than Hunt and that was evident when he physically had to be carried back to his corner at the end of round two.
Perhaps Hunt knew that he had done enough to win the fight. However, for someone who has their job on the line, I would expect that leaving the decision in the hands of the judges would not an option.
sam
Guest
while i can understand your point of view, it seems to me that you have not experienced intense excersize at high altitude, to not have anything left but still be there trying to win, trying to finish. i respect both fighters tramendously, and have been following Mark Hunt since 2001, as well as his fights in pride, atomic butt drop. not to mention big ben and his iron chin. in the end i would advise that you never question the heart of a proffesional fighter, especially one such as mark hunt, who was offered a payout from his old pride contract, but instead chose to come and fight. mark hunt attempting an ARMBAR, oh well you can please em all
Cookie
Roar Rookie
Not to be harsh to Mark Hunt at all as this is still the ultimate proving ground, I just think strategically the UFC has planned the divisions this way so they can put together a good variety of tiered fights on a card
Cookie
Roar Rookie
Totally agree with all of this! Nice comments
Cookie
Roar Rookie
I agree with your point Karen, A few things to add: Hitting someone with all that you have and not see him go down can be pretty saddening for an elite striker so I think Mark Hunt was more shocked than anything else. There was the risk of Rothwell winding up on top as well, although Big Ben failed to secure a decent takedown during the latter stages of the match I was worried if Mark was put on his back as K1 fighters aren't know for their grappling or their offense/defence from ground bottom position. There are so many levels in the UFC and I am not just talking about weight division. In the HW division there are plenty of different levels of fighters, for instance: Top Tier : Cain, Brock, JDS, Carwin, Daniel Cormier, Alistair Overeem Middle Tier: Struve, Barry, Kongo, Travis Browne, Bottom Tier: Mark Hunt etc.
Keith McNeill
Guest
While he's no Robert Drysdale, Mark showed that he is definitely developing his groundgame and more importantly his last two fights have clearly showed his improving takedown defense. Yes it was an ugly fight but it was a fun one too and although Mark will probably not trouble the top HWs, he presents as a dangerous and hardnosed gatekeeper who is working hard to improve his game. If Dana Whites comments are anything to go by, rather than a tap on the shoulder it would appear that Mark is getting pats on the back. Rothwell however, has work to do.
Chris
Guest
Also who would be interested in reading more articles about the Australian MMA scene? It's a growing scene with fights happening nearly every weekend somewhere in the country.
Chris
Guest
As a Mixed Marital Artist fighter that was the best Mark Hunt we have seen in my opinion. Dana White twice gave him major praise at the post-fight press conference for his performance. The part you mention in the article was when both guys were out on their feet. They had no gas left in the tank all and while I agree that it just needed one more flurry to finish itI just don't think he had anything left. The takedown attempt was so that he could rest on the ground. Hunt a K-1 elite fighter should not be taking anyone down. Only reason he did so was to rest. As much as most people in Australia I want to see him suceed but I think he may sturggle with some of the other fighters in the division, especially the wrestlers. His grappling has improved a tonne since his days in Pride and will be interesting to see how much more he progresses training at the American Top Team.
Johnno
Guest
Karen... not convinced. Mark thrashed Rothwell. He looked pretty good for a 38 year old. Not sure why you'd want to bag him, it wasn't the most impressive performance, but he got the win and never really looked in doubt. His ground game clearly improved, and he's a warrior from way back. Why can't why enjoy his win?
Weatherman
Guest
Rothwell was desperately unfit, and although he showed huge heart to go on with it in the third round. Mark showed he doesn't appear to hit as hard as he used to, and has no ground game. I think both should be tapped on the shoulder - there's gotta be better main card PPV worthy heavyweights, who aren't just heavy?
Mark
Guest
Ah, well, sharing a first name makes me like Mark Hunt so I should be in disagreement... but your point is well made Karen. Mark just didn't put Rothwell to the sword despite absolutely hammering him. I've seen his K-1 stuff where he is just one mean mother, and wails on dudes until they fall - it didn't seem like he put that energy into the fight. Taking into account the lack of oxygen at height (Hunt trained in Thailand for awhile, that's about as sea level as you can get!) and relative fitness might explain why he didn't pull the trigger.... That said, doesn't Hunt have guaranteed fights with UFC? I don't think they can rip up his contract, as it's owed to him. Dana White said they tried to pay him off but he wanted to fight - good man! Thanks for the read.
shane
Roar Guru
Always enjoy reading your pieces about the UFC. I watched my first fight over the weekend. Keep the articles coming!