UFC 180: Hunt can remain proud despite Werdum defeat

After a week of speculation that Mark Hunt could become Australia’s first UFC champion, his run came to an end at the hands of Fabrício Werdum.

Despite being dominated in the first round, Werdum (19-5-1) managed to land a devastating knee half way through round two, resulting in a TKO on Hunt.

He followed the knee up by some ground and pound to earn him self the interim UFC Heavyweight belt.

Sydney-based Hunt (10-9-1) landed some big hits on Werdum in the fight, including one vicious right hand which dropped him, however it was not enough to secure a victory.

Despite the disappointment after the week’s build up, Hunt held his head high.

Hunt was humble in defeat, and showed why he is one of the most popular and respected fighters in the UFC heavyweight division.

UFC 180 was the first ever event the organisation held in Mexico, and the fans were not disappointed with none of the fights on the main card going to a decision.

In other fights, Kelvin Gastelum (10-0) remains undefeated after a dominant victory over Jake Ellenberger (29-9), forcing Ellenberger to tap late in the first round with a rear naked choke. Featherweight Ricardo Lamas (15-3) vaulted straight back into title contention submitting Dennis ‘The Menace’ Bermudez (14-4) with a guillotine choke in the first round.

Results:
Heavyweight interim title bout: Fabrício Werdum def. Mark Hunt via TKO (Knee and Punches) R2, 2:27

Welterweight bout: Kelvin Gastelum def. Jake Ellenberger via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1, 4:46

Featherweight bout: Ricardo Lamas def. Dennis Bermudez via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1, 3:18

Welterweight bout: Augusto Montaño def. Chris Heatherly via TKO (Knees) R1, 4:50

Welterweight bout: Héctor Urbina def. Edgar García via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1, 3:38

Ultimate Fighter Final Featherweight bout: Yair Rodríguez def. Leonardo Morales via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29.28)

Ultimate Fighter Final Bantamweight bout: Alejandro Pérez def. José Alberto Quiñonez via Unanimous Decision (29-26, 29-26, 28-27)

Womens Bantamweight bout: Jessica Eye def. Leslie Smith via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) R2, 1:30

Featherweight bout: Gabriel Benítez def. Humberto Brown via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R3, 0:30

Bantamweight bout: Henry Briones def. Guido Cannetti via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2, 1:44

Bantamweight bout: Marco Beltrán def. Marlon Vera via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)