Tomorrow afternoon, Mark Hunt will attempt to become the first Australian-based fighter to claim a UFC championship.
Hunt is set to meet Brazilian standout Fabricio Werdum in front of 20,000 people at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico for the UFC Interim-Heavyweight Championship.
He replaces injured Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez. Velasquez succumbed to a knee injury and had to withdraw from his title defence with Werdum.
‘The Super Samoan’ has agreed to the bout on just three weeks’ notice. He is a heavy underdog against the Brazilian Werdum, who is a world champion jiu-jitsu fighter.
Werdum has has also honed his striking skills to become one of the most well rounded martial artists in the UFC.
Hunt has had virtually no time to prepare for Werdum, he has only been able to cut weight to make the heavyweight limit and adjust to the high Mexican altitude.
The long road for the Super Samoan
This historic occasion is the culmination of a 20-year fighting career that has seen Hunt compete on some of combat sport’s greatest stages. From K-1 kickboxing to pride fighting championships, he has done it all.
His extraordinary accomplishments, which include being the first and only man outside of Europe to win the prestigious K-1 Heavyweight Grand Prix kickboxing title, have gone relatively unnoticed in his native New Zealand.
Nonetheless, he has retained a strong following among Aussie fight fans. In December last year, he sold out the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and put on one of the most epic contests the UFC heavyweight division has ever seen – a five round war with Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva.
He has faced a tumultuous journey in his 20-year fighting career. Following the UFC’s acquisition of Pride FC, the company attempted to buy Hunt out of his contract. At 35 years old, he was riding a four-fight losing streak and his stock wasn’t very high.
Fighting was all Mark Hunt knew and he chose to see out the rest of his contract with the UFC and achieve his goal of becoming the greatest fighter in the world.
Through his enduring self-belief, Hunt has achieved career resurgence and is now one of the biggest stars in the UFC. He is famed among fans for his walk away knockouts and care free attitude during his post-fight interviews.
Although he is a heavy underdog in this fight, one should be advised against writing Mark Hunt off. He is a world class kick boxer with a chin of steel who has one of the most incredible knock-out highlight reals in MMA. If he can keep the fight standing, history may well be made on November 15 in Mexico City.
James Bakker
Roar Rookie
I'd agree, Velasquez is unstoppable right now. But werdum is not one to sleep on. World class bjj and a striking game that keeps getting better...
Wardad
Guest
I think its more that he wasnt promoted well in NZ in a nascent sport is all ,the peeps in NZ who know him hardly heard of him when he was based in NZ . Good luck to him anyways !
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Very true. Werdum has an incredible ground especially when he is on his back. Hunt did do very well though, when he was in the guard of Werdum, he worked and wants in any real danger. A bit unlucky to get caught with that knee, but credit where it's due, Werdum connected perfectly. Either way, don't see either of them beating Cain Velasquez, but anything can happen.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
I have to agree, think that this may have been his final shot at a title. No doubt some exciting fights coming up for him though, I know Overeem fights Struve soon, so if Alistar can get back on the horse, I would love to see Overeem v Hunt.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
It was, Werdum hurt him bad. Hunt has a lot of heart though, and was very humble in defeat. I guess thats why we love him so much.
Realist 1975
Guest
Werdum has a history of submitting fighters - inc the legendary Fedor- when they become over zealous and attack him on the floor after knocking Werdum down. Given the preparation, weight loss, 5 rounds, altitude and Werdums bj skills Hunt acted correctly IMO in order to conserve energy. As he said he just didn't see the knee shot.
Bill Larkin
Guest
Hunt's lack of technique lost him the fight. Any decent heavyweight would have been all over Werdum when he was put down. Hunt waited until he got up. Don't get me wrong, I pove Hunt's heart, but he reached a level he could never get beyond.
James Bakker
Roar Rookie
Yeah, although hes a kiwi, he has lived in Australia for the last 20 years or so. He chooses to represent Australia as he claims NZ never respected his accomplishments. He was doing really well today and dropped Werdum a couple of times. Big knee out of no where put him away.
BRAMS Brams
Guest
Thanks for that info. Sounds like it was mean knee that downed Mark.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
He is, born in New Zealand but he fights out of Sydney, so he is Sydney-based- therefore Australian based. What he would have become had he won was the first man to fight out of Australia to win a title in the UFC (albeit it is an interim belt- still a massive achievement) and also the first Asian Pacific title holder.
BRAMS Brams
Guest
Hunts a Kiwi isn't he?