While there were initial doubts about him being able to cut the weight necessary to even compete against Roy Nelson, Mark Hunt left no doubt that he is still one of the best punchers in MMA.
Hunt delivered a highlight reel knockout to end the UFC’s return to Japan at UFC Fight Night 52. While the two heavyweights traded punches in the first round, each felt like they were just missing the mark by a couple of inches. Nelson looked to connect with his overhand right while Hunt mixed things up and swung wildly with both hands.
In the second round, Nelson tried a new approach and pushed forward for a single leg takedown and even managed to take Hunt’s back. Hunt escaped and then connect with a very strong left hand that blooded Nelson. Another left sent Nelson reeling against the cage and Hunt pounced with a short right uppercut that sent “Big Country” to the mat face-first.
Just like that, it was over.
When asked who he would like to fight next, Hunt, the UFC’s No. 6 ranked heavyweight, was as succinct as ever. “A rematch is always good for me,” he said. “So, anyone in the top-10.”
Here are the full results:
Mark Hunt def. Roy Nelson by KO (punch) at 3:00 of Round Two
Myles Jury def. Takanori Gomi by TKO (punches) at 1:32 of Round One
Yoshihiro Akiyama def. Amir Sadollah by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Miesha Tate def. RIn Nakai by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Kiichi Kunimoto def. Richard Walsh by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Kyoji Horiguchi def. Jon Delos Reyes by TKO (punches) at 3:48 of Round One
Masanori Kanehara def. Alex Caceres by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Katsunori Kikuno def. Sam Sicilia by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:38 of Round Two
Hyun Gyu Lim vs. Takenori Sato by TKO (elbows) at 1:18 of Round One
Kyung Ho Kang def. Michinori Tanaka by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Johnny Case def. Kazuki Tokudome by technical submission (guillotine) at 2:34 of Round Two
Maximo Blanco def. Daniel Hooker by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
